Eritrean National Table Tennis Federation Concludes Olympic Values Training Program for Young Players

Table Tennis · Olympic Values · Youth Development

By Winta Kahsai   |   Program: 21–30 August 2026

The Eritrean National Table Tennis Federation (ENTTF), in collaboration with the Eritrean National Olympic Committee (ERINOC), has successfully concluded a 10-day Olympic Values Training Program for young and emerging table tennis players. The program, which began on 21 August 2026 and concluded on 30 August 2026, was held at the Eritrean National Olympic Committee Hall and Dembe Sembel School.

The program brought together 36 young and emerging table tennis players—18 male and 18 female trainees between the ages of 10 and 15, selected from all six regions of Eritrea. The participation of young athletes from across the country provided an important opportunity to promote not only table tennis development but also the principles and values of sport among the next generation of Eritrean athletes.

A Program Combining Olympic Values and Table Tennis

Throughout the ten-day program, the participants took part in two sessions each day, combining Olympic Values education in the morning with practical table tennis training in the afternoon.

During the morning sessions, theoretical lessons focusing on the Olympic Values and the principles of the Olympic Movement were delivered at the Eritrean National Olympic Committee Conference Room by Dr. Amine Teklay and Mr. Ghebretinsae Damer, members of the Eritrean National Olympic Committee.

The sessions introduced the young participants to important sporting and personal values, encouraging them to understand that becoming a successful athlete involves more than technical ability and competition results. Discipline, respect, friendship, excellence, fair play, responsibility, teamwork, and positive behavior were emphasized as important elements of an athlete’s development.

The afternoon sessions were dedicated to practical table tennis training at Dembe Sembel School, under the guidance of Coach Simon Yemane, supported by three assistant coaches.

The practical sessions focused on developing the participants’ basic table tennis skills while also connecting sporting practice with the values discussed during the morning lessons. This combination allowed the participants to understand how Olympic Values can be applied not only in the classroom but also during training, competition, and their daily lives.

Celebrating the Completion of the Program

The program concluded on 30 August 2026 with a closing ceremony attended by representatives of the Eritrean National Table Tennis Federation, the Eritrean National Olympic Committee, coaches, instructors, and the participating young athletes.

During the closing ceremony, the President of the Eritrean National Table Tennis Federation, Eng. Ahmedin Mohammedhagos, congratulated all the participants for successfully completing the ten-day program.

In his closing remarks, the President highlighted the importance of introducing young athletes to Olympic Values at an early stage of their sporting development. He encouraged the participants to continue practicing the values they had learned throughout the program and to demonstrate them in their training, competitions, schools, families, and communities.

He also emphasized that the objective of the program was not simply to develop better table tennis players, but to contribute to the development of responsible, disciplined, respectful, and capable young people through sport.

The President expressed his appreciation to the Eritrean National Olympic Committee and to all the instructors and coaches who contributed their time, knowledge, and experience to the successful implementation of the program.

Taking the Values Beyond the Training Venue

In a speech delivered during the closing ceremony, Mr. Ghebretinsae Damer, a member of the Executive Committee of the Eritrean National Olympic Committee, expressed his appreciation for the initiative of the Eritrean National Table Tennis Federation and emphasized the importance of introducing Olympic Values to young athletes from an early age. He highlighted that sport provides an important platform for young people to develop discipline, respect, friendship, teamwork, responsibility, and a positive attitude toward competition.

He also encouraged the young participants to carry the lessons they received beyond the training venue and apply them in their everyday lives. Mr. Ghebretinsae Damer further emphasized that the values learned through sport can help young athletes become positive contributors to their families, schools, communities, and wider society. He concluded his remarks by extending his appreciation to the coaches, instructors, organizers, and institutions that worked together to make the program possible.

A Stronger Foundation for Grassroots Table Tennis

The completion of the program represents another step in the Federation’s efforts to develop table tennis from the grassroots level while ensuring that technical development goes hand in hand with character development.

By bringing together 36 young athletes from all six regions of Eritrea, the program created an environment where participants could learn from one another, develop friendships, improve their sporting skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the principles that should guide them as athletes.

The equal participation of 18 male and 18 female trainees also contributed to promoting inclusive opportunities for young athletes and encouraging wider participation in table tennis.

The ENTTF believes that programs of this nature are important in building a strong foundation for the future of Eritrean table tennis. Young players who receive proper technical training while also understanding the values of sport can contribute positively to the development of their clubs, regions, and the national team in the future.

Appreciation and Continued Commitment

The Eritrean National Table Tennis Federation extends its sincere appreciation to the Eritrean National Olympic Committee for its collaboration and support in organizing the Olympic Values Training Program. The Federation also expresses its gratitude to Dr. Amine Teklay and Mr. Ghebretinsae Damer for delivering the Olympic Values lessons, Coach Simon Yemane and the three assistant coaches for conducting the practical table tennis sessions, and all those who contributed to the successful organization and implementation of the program.

Special appreciation goes to the 36 participating young athletes for their commitment, discipline, enthusiasm, and active participation throughout the ten days.

The ENTTF also recognizes the importance of continuing such initiatives in the future so that more young athletes across Eritrea can benefit from the combination of sporting excellence and Olympic Values education.

The Federation previously conducted a similar Olympic Values initiative, and the successful completion of this year’s program demonstrates its continued commitment to integrating values education into grassroots table tennis development.

A Continuing Journey Through Sport

The conclusion of the ten-day program is not the end of the learning process. Rather, it marks the beginning of a continuing journey for the young athletes to put the values and skills they have learned into practice.

The Eritrean National Table Tennis Federation remains committed to creating opportunities for young players across the country and to developing athletes who are not only technically capable, but also disciplined, respectful, responsible, and committed to the positive values of sport.

The Federation looks forward to continuing its cooperation with the Eritrean National Olympic Committee and other stakeholders in implementing similar initiatives that contribute to the development of Eritrean sport and the next generation of athletes.