The players from the Maldives participating in training with the Table Tennis Club
On Sunday, February 2, three table tennis players from the Maldives, Mohamed Shaffan Ismail, Akhyar Ahmed Khalid and Fathimath Dheema Ali, participated in a practice session with the Meiji University Table Tennis Club at its training hall in Chofu City, Tokyo. The club has welcomed players from the Maldives since 2014, with its members providing table tennis technical guidance to promote international exchange between the two countries. The three players, all chosen for the Maldives national training program, are aiming to compete in the Olympics.
They practiced rallying and played matches with the members of the Table Tennis Club, interacting warmly and sharing smiles throughout the session.
Shaffan’s comment
This marks my third time joining training at Meiji University. Since the Meiji University Table Tennis Club is known as one of the strongest teams in Japan, I was impressed by how high-level their training was. Training and interacting with Meiji University players helped me clearly see the skills I lack and what I need to work on to become a high-level player. Participating in the Olympics is my biggest goal in the future.
I would like to express my gratitude to Coach TAKAYAMA for dedicating time in his busy schedule to give us excellent training, as well as to everyone who helped organize this training.
Shaffan interacting with a table tennis club member
Akhyar’s comment
I had a great experience training at Meiji University and truly enjoyed every moment. Practicing with all these top-level players at Meiji University helped me understand what I need to do to catch up with them. In this training, I focused on refining match play and enhancing consistency during games. My goal is to become a player who can excel in the senior division after my junior years.
I would like to thank Coach TAKAYAMA and the club members for giving me this opportunity.
I had a great experience training at Meiji University and truly enjoyed every moment. Practicing with all these top-level players at Meiji University helped me understand what I need to do to catch up with them. In this training, I focused on refining match play and enhancing consistency during games. My goal is to become a player who can excel in the senior division after my junior years.
I would like to thank Coach TAKAYAMA and the club members for giving me this opportunity.
Akhyar interacting with a table tennis club member
Dheema’s comment
My training at Meiji University went really well, and I am very satisfied with the high standard of practice. There is so much we can learn simply by observing the club members and playing with them. I would like to make the most of this valuable opportunity to improve my table tennis skills as much as I can. My top goal right now is to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and play my best table tennis. I aim to overcome my weaknesses and gain experience by playing against players of diverse styles.
Dheema interacting with a table tennis club member
Head Coach of the Table Tennis Club, TAKAYAMA Yukinobu’s comment
The table tennis club has been hosting players from the Maldives since 2014, providing them with technical guidance to foster exchanges. This time, three Maldivian players joined us. Through fostering exchanges, I hope that players from both countries will improve their skills and learn from each other’s approach to table tennis. With a stronger commitment to the sport, I believe they will strive to become players capable of performing on the global stage. Finally, I hope that this international exchange will help these players become leaders in the development of table tennis in their respective countries.