The Open Ramadan Table Tennis Championship kicked off last night in Sirte as part of the “Sirte: City of Lights” festivities. The event is organized by the Sirte Security Directorate in collaboration with the city’s Table Tennis Technical Committee.
Mohamed Al-Amil, the championship’s head and chairman of the Table Tennis Technical Committee in Sirte, told the Libyan News Agency that 32 players of various ages have joined the competition.
The tournament features participants ranging from 17 to 64 years old, with all matches officiated by a dedicated referee committee.
The championship is set to conclude on the 17th of Ramadan, with an award ceremony scheduled for the following day. The Sirte Security Directorate will host the event to honor the top two players and recognize the organizing and refereeing committees.
This championship highlights the Security Directorate’s commitment to promoting sports activities and fostering a competitive spirit among local youth in both individual and team sports.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
