Historic Training Camp and Tournament in Nepal

A special training camp was held at the National Hall in Nepal, marking an important milestone for table tennis in the country. The entire event was organized by Pavel Rehorek of Switzerland, who thereby made a significant contribution to promoting Nepal’s young talent and to the further development of table tennis in the country. The project was also made possible and supported by generous sponsors, whose commitment played a key role in the event’s success.

For the first time in Nepal's history, the National Hall was equipped with a total of twelve table tennis tables for a training camp of this kind. The impressive setting provided the players with ideal conditions to train together and improve their athletic skills.

More than 50 players took part in the training camp, including athletes from the AVM School as well as other players from the national team. Nepal’s best young players in the U13, U15, U17, and U21 age groups were represented. To ensure training was as targeted and age-appropriate as possible, the participants were divided into two groups: the U13 and U15 players trained together, while the U17 and older players formed a second training group.

Setting up the hall posed a particular challenge. Originally, there were only six tables available there. The AVM School transported the additional tables to the Nationalhalle itself, so that twelve tables could ultimately be used for the training camp. This special setup made it possible to train a large number of players at the same time under optimal conditions.

The coaches, too, were extremely satisfied with how the camp went and with its results. They rated the camp as a resounding success and expressed their support for continuing this training format in the future. In addition to the athletic aspects, the exchange with the Nepalese coaches was particularly significant. Together, they discussed ideas, perspectives, and possible steps for the future development of table tennis in Nepal.

From Training Camp to Tournament

After the training camp ended, the hall was rearranged for the tournament that followed. The number of tables was reduced from twelve to six to create more space for the competitive atmosphere and to facilitate the organization of the matches.

A special rule added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament: Players who reached the semifinals in their respective age categories were also allowed to compete in the next higher age category. This gave the most successful young players the opportunity to test their skills against older, more experienced opponents and gain valuable competitive experience.

The final day was the highlight of the event. The matches were played on a single table, which effectively served as “Center Court.” This put the finalists squarely in the spotlight, and spectators were able to watch the decisive matches in an intense competitive atmosphere.

The significance of the event was further underscored by the presence of political representatives and the Nepalese Minister of Sports. Their visit demonstrated that table tennis—and in particular, the promotion of young talent—is also receiving attention at the political level.

An important step for the future

The training camp and the subsequent tournament were much more than just two sporting events. They provided a platform for fostering young talent, facilitating exchanges among coaches, and advancing the development of national table tennis in Nepal.

The first-time use of the Nationalhalle with twelve tables, the participation of over 50 players, and the positive feedback from the coaches underscore the potential of this format. At the same time, the exchange with the Nepalese coaches laid an important foundation for future projects and long-term cooperation.

The event vividly demonstrated what can be achieved through shared commitment, good organization, and a clear vision for promoting youth development. Thanks to the dedication of Pavel Rehorek, the support of the AVM School, and the generous commitment of the sponsors, a significant boost was given to the further development of table tennis in Nepal.