Notícia

TALKING WITH ADHAM SHAHARA

Por CBTM

The ITTF's president talks about Pan American Games, chineses and CBTM

CBTM: This year in Rio de Janeiro will happen the Pan American Games. The table tennis player Hugo Hoyama can be the biggest winner from Brazil in the Games. Actually Hugo has eight gold medals, the same number of Gustavo Borges. What this record represents for table tennis?

ADHAM SHAHARA: This is a great record for Hoyama and for Brazil. Hugo Hoyama is a very respected player in the ITTF. His record of 8 gold medals is an excellent performance, which is difficult to match in the ITTF.

CBTM: Which one is the big deal of ITTF in 2007?

ADHAM SHAHARA: The Pan American Games is a very important event for the Americas and for the ITTF. Of course it is also very important for Brazil.

CBTM: How ITTF watch the work of Brazilian Table Tennis Confederation?

ADHAM SHAHARA:ITTF only looks at the performance and the results. We can not see the day-to-day work of 202 member associations. So, we base our opinion on the "visible" results such as results of the players, placing table tennis on TV, staging successful events, certifying international umpires and referees. In fact, each association has its own plans and own way to develop. They are all different because they all have different levels of human and financial resources, also each association has its own traditions and systems. Therefore, it is impossible for the ITTF to judge by looking at the system, so we can only judge by the measurable results. The Brazil TTC is doing very well and progressing regularly.

CBTM: How's your relation with the president Alaor?

ADHAM SHAHARA: We have a very good relationship. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we disagree, but we respect each other.

CBTM: Which thing is your biggest proud in ITTF's presidence?

ADHAM SHAHARA: To be able to find big sponsors from outside the table tennis manufacturers, like Volkswagen, Liebherr and now Grundfos. Also the fact that table tennis was in the top 5 as far as TV rankings at the Athens Olympic Games

CBTM: Why China have a lot of players in the top of World Ranking?

ADHAM SHAHARA: The answer is very simple. Table Tennis in China is like Football in Brazil. Now you know the answer.