by Ian Marshall

Whatever she may achieve in the future, the accolade is with her for life.

At the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, when the torch was lit on Friday 23rd July at the opening ceremony, she was she 12 years and 203 days old.

Moreover, two days after the torch had been extinguished in Japan’s capital city; on Tuesday 10th August, she was present in Amman, Jordan at the Arab Championships.

Simply, for the young lady born on Thursday 1st January 2009 in Hama, her table tennis career commencing in 2014, it was just another tournament, seemingly bemused why she should be the focus of attention.

“I was the youngest player, it was a dream to play in the Olympic Games; I think playing in Tokyo has given me more confidence, I know I need to raise my level.” Hend Zaza

Most importantly, she is at an age when you learn quickly, it is the ideal time to hone technical skills; that takes time, hours of practice and dedication. Equally, the mental aspect is important, in that respect, even though teenage years have not yet dawned, she is well adjusted.

“In Tokyo or here in Amman I have nothing really in my mind to suggest there is any difference. It’s the same, just enjoy and remember that nothing is impossible.” Hend Zaza

She is not aware of the fact but inadvertently she has become the team leader, at the Arab Championships she was the motivating force for her team, her colleagues showed outstanding spirit and, as they became accustomed to the environment, raised their level of play.

Notably, they ended the tournament with a haul of 11 medals (four gold, four silver and three bronze), fourth place in an 11 strong field behind Egypt, Qatar and Tunisia.

The finishing position in the overall medal table was creditable but not a key factor; the important element was the spirit displayed, one of endeavour, desire and whatever problems may be faced a determination to succeed.

Syria: 2021 Arab Championships

Gold
Under 15 Girls’ Team: Anata Kurdia, Naya Suileman, Hend Zaza
Under 13 Girls’ Singles: Hend Zaza
Under 13 Girls’ Doubles: Naya Suileman, Hend Zaza
Under 11 Girls’ Singles: Ebaa Hallak

Silver
Under 15 Girls’ Singles: Hend Zaza
Under 13 Girls’ Team: Sham Al-Asad, July Daiub, Ebaa Hallak, Sulaf Mahmoud, Hend Zaza
Under 13 Girls’ Doubles: Ebba Hallak, Hend Zaza
Under 13 Boys’ Singles: Zaid Qutainy

Bronze
Under 15 Boys’ Doubles: Gaith Ghareeb, Zaid Qutainy
Under 13 Boys’ Team: Gaith Ghareeb, Zaid Qutainy, Ibrahim Taha
Under 13 Boys’ Doubles: Gaith Ghareeb, Zaid Qutainy