Three flags, one Ibrahima Diaw: meet the journeyman paddler

Diaw says his heart still beats for Senegal. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement At 34, Ibrahima Diaw has competed in two Olympic Games and numerous professional table tennis tournaments across the globe.He is one of a handful of players to play for three countries. Diaw, who was born in France, represented the nation and won gold at the 2008 European youth championships. He then turned out for Senegal at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, and is now competing under Denmark’s flag at the WTT Feeder Chennai at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University here.Speaking to The Hindu after his first-round victory over India’s Kushal Chopda on Friday, Diaw clarified that his association with Denmark was limited to WTT (Pro Tour) tournaments.“I still love representing Senegal and am still playing for Senegal. I haven’t changed my country. I just live & train in Denmark, and they have allowed me to register for WTT tournaments from July 2026. If one day, Senegal selects me to play in the African Championships, I would, of course, be very happy to play,” said Diaw, ranked 205th in the world, having achieved a career-high of 53 in August 2022.Though he has played in India before, his relationship with the country has grown stronger since he joined Harmeet Desai, one of India’s leading paddlers, as his physical trainer this July.Diaw sees this as his future beyond competitive table tennis. “Yeah, I’m old. I’m actually preparing for my post-career. I’ve done my course in physical training. Harmeet & I have played together in foreign leagues (in Roanne, France). My job is to actually make him fresh for every tournament,” he said.Senegal remains close to Diaw’s heart. As the country prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games from October 31 to November 13, he will cheer for his father’s nation.“It was a great honour to represent Senegal and put them on the map in table tennis. I hope the Youth Olympic Games turn out to be a huge success,” he said. Published - October 30, 2026 04:44 pm IST