by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Furthermore having earlier this year completed successfully a four year course at the Brunei University of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, she can now focus her attention on sport as opposed to having to fulfil a juggling act in order to accommodate the needs of education.

Not only can she concentrate on improving her level of play, she can perform that task in an environment of excellence; for the 2017 – 2018 season, she will represent BTK Lyckeby in the Swedish League. She will represent the club’s second team.

It means she becomes the first female player from Mauritius player to play for a professional club abroad.

Recently Widaad Gukhool spoke to Olalekan Okusan, the ITTF-Africa Press Officer

“This is one of my wishes coming true because I had been asking some of the African players who were based in Europe to find me a club. I am delighted that I am now able to train in a European club and play in one of the European leagues. It will definitely prepare me for my international competitions.

I know the level will be quite high and I hope to learn a lot from different styles of players. Also I will try my best to win as many matches as possible for the team.

Between July and August, I went to two training camps in Denmark and Sweden, which I funded. Sweden was the destination one was my club’s camps. So right after the camp, I secured the deal.

My dream is always to qualify for the Olympics. Previously I was still busy with studies. At the same time, I didn’t have proper training facilities and we lack international competitions. Therefore one of my long term objectives is Tokyo 2020. I hope to at least reach quarter-finals at the 2019 African Games in singles and hope to win a medal in team event. I think playing in Europe will definitely increase those chances.”

Widaad Gukhool departed Mauritius on Monday 4th September to join her new club at a training camp.