BEIRUT, March 20: The international table tennis tournament kicked off in Lebanon, under the auspices of the International Table Tennis Federation, drawing participation from 42 countries worldwide, including Kuwait.

George Copley, President of the Lebanese Table Tennis Federation, expressed, "This prestigious international tournament, running until March 21 and sanctioned by the International Table Tennis Federation, showcases top-tier global players. It holds significance within the ITTF tournament circuit, contributing to the international player rankings."

He highlighted Lebanon's experience hosting age group championships, noting that this event offers Lebanese and Arab players a platform to compete against international counterparts, fostering technical and artistic growth and inspiring greater dedication to skill advancement. Copley emphasized, "The caliber of international players is exceptionally high, with notable disparities in experience, training methodologies, and tournament exposure compared to Arab players."

Meshal Al-Kandari, a player for the Kuwaiti national team, commented, "Participating in this tournament, overseen by the International Table Tennis Federation, provides invaluable experiences and insights into the playing styles and training regimens of international and Arab competitors."

He added, "This international tournament serves as ideal preparation for upcoming events such as the Arab Club Championship and the West Asian Championship, slated to be held in Saudi Arabia later this year."

Meanwhile, Khaled Al-Fadhli, representing Kuwait through the Kuwait Table Tennis Association and a member of Al-Fahaheel Club, noted the significant benefits of interaction with international players for both Arab and Kuwaiti athletes. Arab nations, alongside Kuwait and host Lebanon, are represented in this international table tennis championship, with participation from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Tunisia, Syria, and Yemen.