Swedish table tennis legend Jörgen Persson has been appointed as the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team, marking a significant step in the country's ambition to elevate its standing in the sport. The appointment was officially announced at the Saudi Table Tennis Federation’s headquarters in Riyadh, where Federation President Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser praised the move as a crucial milestone.
A New Chapter in Persson’s Career
Persson, 58, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As a coach, he recently led Sweden to its first European Team Championship title in 21 years and guided the Swedish team to the final of the 2024 Olympic Games. Before that, he played a key role in Mattias Falck’s historic run to the final of the 2019 World Championships.
As a player, Persson’s career is legendary. A five-time world champion, he was part of Sweden’s golden generation that challenged China’s dominance in the sport. He won singles and team gold at the 1992 European Championships and was part of the Swedish teams that triumphed at the 1993 and 2000 World Championships. He also competed in an astonishing seven Olympic Games, achieving top finishes in both 2000 and 2008.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Table Tennis
Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser emphasized Persson’s crucial role in developing the sport in Saudi Arabia:
Jörgen Persson’s experience and legacy are a valuable addition to our vision of building a world-class sports system. We are committed to developing a new generation of elite athletes, and Persson will play a pivotal role in shaping future champions.
Persson himself is excited about the challenge ahead, stating:
It is an honor to join Saudi Arabia’s journey in developing table tennis at the highest levels. The Kingdom has shown great ambition and commitment, and I’m inspired by the vision for this sport. There is enormous potential here, and we aim to build a strong foundation that will spread table tennis across the country, foster professional environments, and prepare players to compete internationally.
Challenges and Ambitions
While the sporting project is ambitious, Persson has also acknowledged the financial incentives that come with the role, calling the offer “one I couldn’t refuse.” At the same time, he remains focused on the sporting goals, with a long-term objective of preparing the Saudi team for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
With his track record of success as both a player and a coach, Persson's appointment signals Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions in international table tennis. Whether he can replicate his success in Sweden remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his arrival is a statement of intent.
Photo Source: Svenska Bordtennisförbundet