www.ismaili.net

Below is a write-up. Faazil Kassam lives in Ottawa, was born in Richmond, BC.



Faazil Kassam isn't even 20-years-old yet but he's building quite an international record in table tennis. Kassam competed at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the 2003 Pan Am Games then capped last season with a remarkable bronze medal with partner Ben Csaba in men's doubles at the world junior championships in Chile. The pair beat opponents from powerhouses China and Germany on their way to the podium.

At the Olympics, Kassam is qualified in men's doubles. He teams with Canadian star Johnny Huang who is more than twice his age. At a recent pro event, the pair finished ninth as Huang battled back problems at that event which would keep him out of singles play at the same tournament.

"The right and left hander form the classic combination in doubles," said the international federation's website about the Canadian Olympic men's doubles team. " As so often happens, their different styles of play combine to make them a very dangerous pairing."

2004 Games TableTennis Coverage

M0re here:

http://www.ismaili.net/timeline/2004/20 ... aazil.html

Faazil and his partner Huang lost to one of the most formidable (Swedish)opponents in the men's doubles in Athens. The Swede pair of Persson and Waldner may have passed their peak but are still outstanding players and have a great deal of experience behind them. Waldner, a 5 time world champion and an Olympic gold medallist, is regarded as the best table tennis player the world has ever produced and a metaphor that often turns up in many newspapers is that he is the Mozart of table tennis, because he can play many different compositions on the table that no one can match. Faazil, being only 19, has several World Championship and Olympic opportunities ahead of him. Many Ottawans were able to see him perform at the Carlingwood Mall a day before he departed for the Olympic Games and what an amazing spectacle. Hope he is able to show his skills across the country so that many more may be able to witness him and be motivated to take up this wonderful sport. For those baseball hitters and cricket batsman (even test players) who are struggling to score runs, may I recommend that they play table tennis and see how their batting improves.

Faazil Kassam returned to Ottawa from the Athens Olympics to a tumultous welcome from his family, friends and supporters. A surprise welcome awaited him as he entered his home. CTV news covered the arrival in a two minute clipping which included interviews with Faazil and his parents Nashir and Shaida. The clip included a visit to his room oveflowing with medals and trophies. Guests were entertained to a lovely dinner and were able to watch his losing Olympic match against the legendary Swedish men's team. The thrill of performing well in Athens has intensified Faazil's goal of qualifying for the next Olympics in Beijing. He starts his 2nd year at the University in a few days but also has his eyes set on the World Championship in China next year.