9 ميداليات لمنتخب كرة الطاولة في البطولة العربية

UAE Table Tennis Team Makes History with 9-Medal Haul at Arab Championships

The UAE's national table tennis team delivered a breakthrough performance at the 2025 Arab Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, securing nine medals across multiple age categories—marking the country's most successful campaign in the tournament's history. The achievement signals the UAE's growing investment in youth sports development and positions the nation as an emerging force in regional table tennis competition.

Golden Glory for Young Champions

The tournament's highlight came from the under-13 team, who claimed gold after a thrilling final victory over Saudi Arabia. This represents the UAE's first team gold medal at the Arab Championships, demonstrating the effectiveness of the country's grassroots sports programs launched over the past decade.

The medal tally included one gold, four silver, and four bronze medals across team, doubles, and individual competitions. The under-15 team secured silver, while the under-17 squad earned bronze, showing consistent strength across age groups.

Individual Excellence Shines Through

In doubles competition, the UAE dominated with multiple podium finishes. Ali Al Hawai and Hamad Al Hashemi captured silver in the under-17 doubles, while Ahmed Al Musaibi and Youssef Al Hawai secured silver in the under-15 category.

Individual performances were equally impressive, with Mohammed Al Musaibi earning silver in the under-13 singles—a particularly notable achievement given the competitive depth in youth categories. Three additional bronze medals in the 17, 15, and 13-year age groups rounded out the individual medal count.

Strategic Investment Pays Dividends

The UAE's success reflects a broader regional trend of Gulf nations investing heavily in sports infrastructure and youth development programs. Similar to initiatives in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the UAE has recruited international coaching expertise—evidenced by the presence of coach Shao Li alongside local coach Islam Motawe.

The 10-player delegation, led by UAE Table Tennis Federation Secretary-General Hassan Al Zarooni, represents the largest and most successful UAE contingent in the championship's recent history. The team's age diversity, spanning from 13 to 17 years, suggests a sustainable pipeline of talent that could yield results for years to come.

Regional Implications and Future Prospects

This performance positions the UAE as a serious competitor against traditional regional powerhouses like Egypt and Lebanon. The victory over Saudi Arabia in the under-13 final is particularly significant, given Saudi Arabia's substantial sports investments under Vision 2030.

For the UAE's sports ecosystem, this success validates the country's approach to youth development and international coaching partnerships. The medal haul likely ensures continued government support and could attract additional private investment in table tennis facilities and programs across the Emirates.

The timing coincides with the UAE's broader push to host major sporting events and develop homegrown athletic talent ahead of potential future Olympic and Asian Games campaigns. With most medalists still in their teens, the UAE table tennis program appears well-positioned for sustained regional competitiveness.