"Winning this event never feels routine"

Since claiming his first title in 2015, Omar Assar has become the most decorated table tennis player in the history of the ITTF-Africa Championships, having lifted the trophy three more times (2016, 2021, 2024).

Despite these impressive achievements, the 34-year-old Egyptian remains grounded and focused, driven not by accolades but by a strong desire to continually improve.

“I only think about how I can enter the tournament in good shape, how I can improve after every round, how I can support my teammates, and how I can work with my coaches. These are the things that matter to me, regardless of winning or losing,” he said in an exclusive interview.

Assar, who has competed in numerous global tournaments and dreams of taking on the Asian stars of the sport, described the continental showdown as uniquely competitive.

"The African Table Tennis Championships has always been a special event for me. It’s about representing Egypt, playing alongside my teammates, and working together to achieve our country's highest possible position. That feeling has never changed. Winning this prestigious event never feels routine or ordinary.

“What makes this tournament different is that everyone wants to beat the champion. There’s a sense of pride in defeating someone who has won the most titles, and I completely understand that.”

2025 African Table Tennis Championships Preview: Full Schedule and How to Watch

Omar Assar: "I don't focus on winning or losing"

Despite chasing a record-extending fifth title in the men's singles, Assar is prioritising his performance ahead of the tournament running from 12 to 19 October in Tunis, Tunisia. “I don’t focus on winning or losing. I focus on how I perform. Every tournament is a fresh start, and we build from there,” he stressed.

And he remains confident in his nation's strength heading into the event: “Egypt is a robust team, we’re the favourites. I can’t say we’ll dominate everything, but I can promise that we’ll fight for our country and our pride. That’s something we all agree on.”

The Paris 2024 quarter-finalist, however, expressed disappointment at the absence of his long-time rival, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, who withdrew from the tournament due to fatigue and medical advice to rest a while.

“I always look forward to seeing Aruna in the competition. He’s a big asset and a major name in African table tennis. I was surprised by his withdrawal and hope it’s not due to a serious injury. Playing against him has become a classic, and I truly miss that rivalry,” Assar noted.

Despite being the tournament favourite, Assar acknowledged the growing challenge posed by emerging talents.

“It’s never easy to play in the African Championships. It’s getting harder with new players like Mehdi Bouloussa of Algeria and others representing countries like Benin and Tunisia. Many French and foreign-born players now represent African nations, which adds to the competition. But we’ve been competing for Egypt for a long time, and that experience gives us an edge.”

Tunis, he added, holds a special place in his heart. “Playing in Tunis is always special. People there love table tennis. The Tunisian players, coaches, and officials are warm and friendly. The younger players and their families create a supportive atmosphere. I always feel welcomed and appreciated in Tunis."

Click here to read article