Doha, Qatar – Qatari table tennis player Rasha Laghraibi has reached a historic milestone, securing the number one ranking in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) world rankings for the Under-11 category as of January 2026. This achievement highlights the growing strength of table tennis in Qatar and the emergence of promising young athletes on the international stage. Laghraibi’s success follows consistent strong performances in recent youth competitions.
The 10-year-old athlete’s ascent to the top spot was confirmed by the ITTF earlier this week. Laghraibi earned the ranking through her results in the Youth Contender and Star Contender tournaments held as part of the 31st edition of the Qatar International Table Tennis Championships series. Her dedication and skill have clearly resonated with the international judging panel.
Rasha Laghraibi’s Rise to the Top of Under-11 Table Tennis
Laghraibi’s performance in the recent tournaments demonstrated her ability to compete and win against a highly competitive field of young players. She consistently defeated opponents ranked within the top 10, accumulating the necessary points to surpass her peers in the ITTF standings. This success is particularly notable given the increasing global participation in youth table tennis.
Hamad Ahmed Al Hammadi, President of the Qatar Table Tennis Association, expressed immense pride in Laghraibi’s accomplishment. He emphasized that this victory wasn’t simply luck, but the result of a focused, long-term development program. Al Hammadi stated the association is committed to providing Qatari athletes with the resources they need to excel.
Investment in Youth Development
The Qatar Table Tennis Association has significantly increased its investment in youth development programs over the past decade. This includes providing access to high-quality coaching, state-of-the-art training facilities, and opportunities to compete internationally. The association believes that nurturing young talent is crucial for the future success of table tennis in the country.
Additionally, the association has been working to increase participation in the sport at the grassroots level. Initiatives such as school programs and community outreach events are aimed at identifying and developing promising young players from all backgrounds. This broader approach is intended to create a sustainable pipeline of talent for the national team.
Qatar has become a prominent host nation for international table tennis events, including the annual Qatar International Championships. Hosting these tournaments provides valuable exposure for Qatari players and helps to raise the profile of the sport within the country. The country’s commitment to the sport is further evidenced by its bid to host the 2030 Asian Games.
Looking Ahead to Major Competitions
The Qatar Table Tennis Association is now setting its sights on the 2030 Asian Games, which will be held in Doha. Laghraibi, along with other emerging Qatari players, is expected to play a key role in the national team’s preparations for the Games. The association hopes to use the Asian Games as a springboard for further success on the global stage.
The long-term goal is to build a competitive team capable of challenging for medals at the Olympic Games. While the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics may come too soon for Laghraibi and her generation of players, the association is confident that they can make significant progress in the coming years. The development of junior table tennis is seen as vital to this ambition.
The ITTF rankings are dynamic and subject to change based on player performance in sanctioned tournaments. Laghraibi will need to maintain her high level of play to retain the number one spot. Her next scheduled competition is the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships in April 2026, where she will face a new set of challenges. The association will continue to monitor her progress and provide her with the support she needs to succeed. The ITTF website provides detailed information on rankings and upcoming events.
The success of Rasha Laghraibi is a testament to the dedication of the athlete, her coaches, and the Qatar Table Tennis Association. It also underscores the growing popularity of table tennis as a sport in the region and the potential for future success.
