by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Notably, the experts on duty were China’s Professor Zhang Yingqiu, from the Beijing Sport University and Hong Kong’s Cindy Leung, a member of the International Table Tennis Federation’s Umpires and Referees Committee.

The programme contained three aspects for match official training, an International Umpires Preparation Course, Basic Referees Course and Tournament Organisation Course.

Present was Chan Foong Keong, the Honorary Secretary of Table Tennis Association of Malaysia, the man who had played major roles in the staging of the World Team Championships in 2000 and 2016 in Kuala Lumpur and has been instrumental in organising a group of competent match officials.

“It is important to have continuous education to allow our match officials to learn from experts from overseas and get the latest information and updates on the changes of rules and regulations in table tennis.” Chan Foong Keong

Everyone responded in a positive manner; a response which delighted Zhang Yingqiu.

“We had a group of very young participants, some only 18 years old, all were very enthusiastic, keen to learn and were preparing for their International Umpire exam in 2018. The participation of the experienced Blue Badge umpires created a good mix on the course; they were able to pass on their experience together and thus increased learning. Many of the participants had great potential in table tennis officiating; I look forward to future opportunities to see them practise what they have learned on the course.” Zhang Yingqiu

Equally the response from the students was most enthusiastic.

“The trainers were very knowledgeable. There was so much to learn during the course, from the refreshing of rules and regulations as an umpire to the technical knowledge of refereeing, and the multi-skills required for tournament organisation.” Ms. Para Khalilibmarandi, a Blue Badge Umpire

Likewise those with less experience responded in an upbeat manner.

“I have been a player for eight years. I wish to involve in different aspects in table tennis and wish to start my career in officiating. It is a great opportunity that I can learn from knowledgeable and experienced trainers from the ITTF to start my officiating career. I am very happy that I passed the Basic Referee exam and I hope to pass International Umpire examination next year,”
Ms. Daphne Lau Sheng Yan, 18 years old

“The knowledge I learned on the course was very usefully for me in my work as a teacher in the school, I am involved in many table tennis activities at school level.” Ms. Maheran Binti Mohd Yassin

At the conclusion of proceedings Chan Foong Keong presented souvenir to the course conductors

“We are committed to train competent officials for the development of table tennis in Malaysia, not the least encouraging more people to participate in table tennis; this is a continual training programme. Thanks to the ITTF Development Programme and the experts for the course. We look forward to having more training for our players and officials, in order to push the development of table tennis developing faster and faster in Malaysia.” Chan Foong Keong

A most successful course, the efforts of Zhang Yingqiu and Cindy Leung well received.