Recently appointed a member of the ITTF President’s Advisory Council and ITTF Special Advisor for Olympic Games and Academies, Iran’s Shahrokh Shahnazi has been elected Honorary Lifetime Deputy President of the Asian Table Tennis Union.

A recognition of the outstanding contribution made over two decades, the honour was bestowed by Cai Zhenhua, President of the Asian Table Tennis Union at the Executive Board Meeting on Monday 1^st July 2012.

Later, at the Asian Table Tennis Union’s Congress on Thursday 4^th July 2013, the appointment was ratified unanimously by all delegates; the position is permanent and thus in the future, Shahrokh Shahnazi does not need to seek re-election.

 “We appreciate a person who is always an example of friendship, unity, solidarity and kindness amongst the Asian Table Tennis Union’s family”, said Cai Zhenhua. “We respect his loyalty to goals and aims of the Asian Table Tennis Union in addition to his diplomatic skills and friendly personality.”

Equally Shahrokh Shahnazi is most respectful of the efforts made by Cai Zhenhua.

“I am proud to receive this honour and I feel a deep responsibility as a permanent Deputy President and member of Asian Table Tennis Union’s Executive Board”, added Shahrokh Shahnazi. “My admiration for Mr. Cai Zhenhua and my thanks for members of the Executive Board of the Asian Table Tennis Union for the trust placed in me; I will do my best in the future for table tennis sport.”

Admiration and Shahrokh Shahnazi was full of admiration for the efforts that have been made in Busan to stage a tournament of the very highest levels.

“Here in the dynamic city of Busan in South Korea, I am enjoying some of the most memorable days of my life”, said Shahrokh Shahnazi. “All the participants at the Asian Championships are happy.”

Simply, attention has been paid to detail.

“They are grateful to the Korean Table Tennis Association and the organizing committee for providing a high standard of hospitality and warm welcome”, continued Shahrokh Shahnazi. “There is a five star hotel for everybody, excellent food, a modern state of the art sports hall, an efficient transport system; everything needed for a high class tournament is in place.”

A high class tournament and for Shahrokh Shahnazi, it was a high level award; a distinction that is well merited.

Article By: ITTF - Ian Marshall

Photo By: An Sung Ho