The former table tennis star Jörgen Persson is aware that his signature for Saudi Arabia can be seen as controversial considering the country's lack of human rights.
But I just want to focus on the sport and develop the youth there with the goal of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. Moreover, it is part of the mission to get more girls to start playing table tennis, so I can contribute to that, it feels good, he says to Hallandsposten.
Saudi Arabia's new national team captain in table tennis believes in the possibilities of getting players to the Olympic Games.
Yes, in the Asian Cup last time, Saudi Arabia's best player (Ali Alkhadrawi) beat one of the Japanese players we met at the Olympic Games.
Persson takes office in mid-April.
Persson was the national team captain for the Swedish table tennis team between 2020 and 2024. He ended on top with the two Olympic silver medals in Paris last summer, for Truls Möregårdh and the Swedish men's team. Persson was then named Coach of the Year at the Sports Gala.
