by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer
Motivated, Ali Altaher aims to compete in the Olympic Games; moreover he aims to become the first table tennis medallist for Saudi Arabia at the biggest sporting event in the world.
Ali Altaher started playing table tennis less than two years ago under the tutelage of his father, Abdulaziz Alther, a member of the Saudi Table Tennis Federation; most certainly he is determined and he does not like losing. Tears flow when he experiences defeat.
“I cry because it is painful losing and for me table tennis is what I love.” Ali Altaher
After accompanying his father to his club in eastern Saudi Arabia, the Alfatech Club, the young man quickly fell in love with the sport particularly after watching some of his friends playing against senior players.
“This is my second international competition after my first tournament in Egypt in 2018, I want to continue to enjoy the game so that I can achieve my dream of playing at the Olympic Games. The Olympic Games is the biggest stage for every player to showcase his or her talent and I want to go there and win a medal.” Ali Altaher
Moreover, he has an idol in whose steps he hopes to follow.
“I would love to emulate Tomokazu Harimoto. He is never afraid to play against any top player in the world. He has shown this quality several times when he has won competitions. It is this kind of quality I am aspiring to have.” Ali Alther.
