“All participants were highly motivated to learn, which lead to great exchanges and the sharing of experiences as coaches, which made the 10 theoretical and 8 training camp sessions pass very quickly”, said ITTF Expert Korakij Sermkijseree (THA).

Laos has a long-term national development program for coaches, players, and hosting international events, such as last year’s Asia Youth Championships and this year’s WTT Youth Contender event that just concluded last week. Former national players are active in running clubs in the capital and across schools in the provinces, and table tennis is one of the sports represented in the National Games, held every four years.

The course participants were committed to passing on their newly acquired knowledge and skills to young players and further promoting table tennis in their country, with some of the aspiring coaches aiming to prepare their players to represent their province in the National Games in 2025. Those participants who were schoolteachers were eager to discuss integrating table tennis into their own school.

“After these days spent with the coaches, players, and the team of the Lao Table Tennis Federation, I believe that the table tennis standard in the country is clearly rising and further growth is imminent”, said Korakij.

“The Lao Table Tennis Federation organized an excellent course and is evidently committed to promote and improve coach education as well as player development. I am ready to support all activity of the federation. The National Olympic Committee of Laos invites all people of the country to join and play table tennis. To quote the ITTF: Table Tennis. For All. For Life.”, said  Somphou Phongsa, Vice President of Laos NOC.

At the opening of the course, Mr. Sengphone PHONAMATH, Laos NOC Secretary General and Vice President, Table Tennis encouraged participants and players to take away any skills they would acquire during the 9 days of the course to the various schools in the country.

In North Macedonia, Olympic Solidarity supported an ITTF Level 2 coaching course and training camp held in Berovo, a city two hours from Skopje, at the local Berovo Table Tennis Club, the most active club in the country. During the first 6 days, the daily sessions were split in two 3-hour blocks during which the 9 attending coaches participated in theoretical sessions and enhanced their practical skills in the hall.

“From the first session, the coaches were motivated to learn and maintained positive interaction amongst themselves and with myself. Moreover, the course showed to be to be an immersive experience, as all participants were staying at the same hotel and continued debating after hours”, said Mohammad Atoum, ITTF Participation Manager and course conductor. “The participants were very knowledgeable in the techical and tactical elements with good teaching skills, as some are working as physical education teachers and are actively working with youth players. The main motivation for them to attend this course was their desire to increase their skills on how they can improve their players.”

Nada Banjac, national youth female coach in Serbia, traveled to attend the course : ”From the first moment of the course, we established a pleasant working atmosphere with clearly defined goals and structure. Well organized, clear instructions, presented both the theoretical and practical part of the training in an interesting and engaging way. It was simply amazing. We could talk for a long time about the extraordinarily realized ITTF Level 2 Coaching Course in North Macedonia, but we don’t have time anymore because all of us coaches who attended this course are running to our halls in order to transfer the acquired knowledge from this course to our players as soon as possible,I want to thank the Table Tennis Association of North Macedonia, headed by President Goran Tilovski, Secretary Zlatko Rikalovski, host representative Jovan Kovačovski, my fellow coaches for their good cooperation, as well as everyone else who contributed to such a high-quality education for coaches, without which there is no progress in the players’ game”.

After the coaching course, the next four days were dedicated to a training camp for the best two youth players within each category, with 9 girls and 7 boys participating. With the aim of improving the players’ technical skills in anticipation of the WTT Youth Star Contender, 4 local coaches worked alongside ITTF Participation Manager Mohammad Atoum and 4 local coaches in providing two sessions daily in a pleasant training environment.

Izabella Jovan Kovacovski, one of the players in the training camp said: ”We found this training camp very useful for us as different methods of training were used, everyone was focused, starting from warm up which was funny and slightly different. We all now know our weaknesses and strengths and what we should do in the future. This is the most important part for me as unfortunately the training camp was only for 4 days. I believe we need more training camps like this one and they should run for longer. Finally thanks everyone who made it happen”.

Table tennis in North Macedonia has grown significantly in recent years with participation in regional and continental events rising and hosting commitments for Regional Youth events, the WTT Youth Star Contender, and the 2024 European U21 Championships, which mark the first European Championships to be held by the North Macedonia Table Tennis Association. Organizing these events provides local players, coaches and match officials with opportunities to participate in significant numbers to further gain experience and develop their skills to the next level.

 “Many players have the potential to achieve good results in the near future and the North Macedonia table tennis association is working hand in hand with the coaches and the clubs in order to achieve this target,” Mohammad concluded.

From 27 September to 1 October, the Olympic Hostel in the city of Salinas, Puerto Rico, hosted the Olympic Solidarity ITTF-PTT Level 1 Coaching Course. This course was supported by the Olympic Solidarity Program, the Olympic Committee of Puerto Rico, and executed by the Puerto Rico Table Tennis Federation in coordination with the ITTF Development Program.

The expert on duty was the ITTF Participation Officer Carlos Esnard, who was extremely satisfied with the participation and especially with the level of the participating coaches, 95% of which were working directly in their clubs with players from beginner to talent development. In addition, the vast majority of the aspiring coaches were national players with very good results.

Coaches from across Puerto Rico participated in the course along with Eva Brito, national team player of the Dominican Republic.  Mr. Ivan Santos, president of FPRTM was also present throughout the course.

“This course has opened my eyes a lot on how to train young players. I am delighted with everything I have learned, and I congratulate the expert because he has been able to teach with methodology and lead us to understand the basic principles of table tennis training, I am eager to go to my club to start applying everything I learned with my children.” Jorge Camacho, Professor, Coach, and owner of Club Humacao.

“I am very happy with the positive response from the participants, who were 100% very satisfied with what they learned, and I am convinced that this course will improve the training work of our players much more. I especially want to congratulate ITTF and thank OS and COPUR for giving us the possibility of taking this course and I hope that next year we can do an ITTF Level 2.” Iván Santos, President of FPRTM.

The collaborative efforts of ITTF Development, Olympic Solidarity and Member Associations in raising the level of coaches and players are not only improving the standard of table tennis in these diverse regions but also fostering a deep sense of enthusiasm and commitment.

The post Olympic Solidarity Backed ITTF Coaching Courses Uplift Table Tennis in Laos, North Macedonia, and Puerto Rico appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

Seven Nigerian players who struck gold at the recent ITTF African Para Championships staged in September compete.

In the men’s singles Isau Ogunkele (class 4), Bolawa Akingbemisiu (class 5), Kayode Alabi (class 6) and Victor Farinloye (class 8) are all named on the entry list compete, as are colleagues Abiola Adesope (class 9) and Alabi Olufemi (class 10).

Meanwhile, for the women, Ifechukwunde Ikpeoyi (class 5) will be on duty.

Victor Farinloye, 48 years old and Alabi Olufemi, two years the senior, are very much the voices of experience.

At the African Para Championships staged in 2011 in Ismailia and in 2019 in Alexandria, both secured men’s singles titles.

One step lower in 2019, Isau Ogunkunle was a silver medallist, for the remaining members of the Nigerian group, recent success in Giza was their first continental success.

However, in recent times Bolawa Akingbemisiu has very much proved his worth, additional to his gold medal at the 2023 African Para Championships, earlier this year in March he was a men’s singles silver medallist at the ITTF Lignano Masters Para Open.

Similarly in August, Ifechukwunde Ikpeoyi was a silver medallist in Riyadh.

Nigeria very much to the fore, from South Africa there is one visitor of particular note, the name of Theo Cogill (class 10) appears on the entry list, at the African Para Championships in both 2011 and 2019 he was a men’s singles silver medallist.

Play commences in Lagos with the men’s singles and women’s singles events.

• ITTF Fa20 Valuejet Lagos Para Open – Latest Draws & Results
• ITTF Fa20 Valuejet Lagos Para Open – ITTF YouTube Channel

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As 2024 host, Helsingborg will provide a fitting location for the stars of tomorrow. A hotbed of the sport with a rich tradition of table tennis legends, Sweden is well equipped to add another page to the history books.  

This year and last year saw the successful staging of WTT Youth Contender Helsingborg, providing a springboard as preparations are ongoing for the 2024 event. This will be the climax of the year for the young talents, after a record-breaking year with more than 50 events planned in the WTT Youth Series 2024.  

This is an unprecedented number of events scheduled to inspire and elevate the next generation of table tennis stars. Building on the incredible success of previous years, the WTT Youth Series is expanding its horizons and introducing brand-new Youth Contender events to the calendar. These exciting events will take place in Algiers, Beirut, Luxembourg, Santiago, Cancun, Jeju, Sandefjord, Huntsville, Caracas, Tashkent, Burlingame, Sarajevo, and Riyadh.
 
Since its inception, the WTT Youth Series has experienced exponential growth. From just 14 events in 2021, the series expanded to 33 events in 2022 and 43 in 2023. The 2024 calendar marks yet another milestone, with more than half of the scheduled events adopting the four-day Youth Contender format, providing young players with a unique platform to showcase their talents and gain invaluable experience.
 
United States of America, Tunisia, Montenegro, Portugal, Qatar, Lebanon, and Republic of Korea will host multiple WTT Youth Series events in 2024 which underpins WTT’s commitment to expanding the reach of youth table tennis to all corners of the globe and nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds.
 
2024 will also mark the first WTT Youth Star Contender to be held in Southeast Asia with the host city to be announced in the coming weeks. The top-tier events of the WTT Youth Series will see the best U15 and U19 stars heading to Tunis, Podgorica, Lima, Skopje, Doha and Vila Nova De Gaia.
 
Tiago Viegas, WTT Youth Series Senior Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “The WTT Youth Series 2024 calendar represents a historic moment in the world of youth table tennis. With an exceptional number of events and new locations, we are paving the way for the future of this dynamic sport. We look forward to witnessing young talents rise to the occasion and shine on the international stage.”  

The WTT Youth Series 2024 calendar is available here (PDF).   

The post ITTF World Youth Championships 2024 Dates and WTT Youth Series 2024 Calendar Unveiled appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

In a pioneering move, the ITTF is infusing the competition with a dynamic mixed team system, merging men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. This groundbreaking concept not only champions gender equality and diversity but also emphasises the spirit of collaboration and teamwork in the sport. 

In this edition of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup, teams will consist of 3 or 4 men’s and women’s players each, creating a dynamic blend of talents at the table. The order of play adds a unique twist to the competition: 

• Mixed Doubles 
• Women’s Singles (with players not participating in mixed doubles) 
• Men’s Singles (with players not participating in mixed doubles) 
• Women’s Doubles/Men’s Doubles (if needed) 
• Men’s Doubles/Women’s Doubles (if needed) 

The order of play for the last two matches will be determined before the match by the team captain of the lower-ranked team, adding a strategic and suspenseful element to each encounter. Each individual match within a team match shall consist of 3 games (resulting in a 3-0 or 2-1 score), and team matches will be played until one team accumulates 8 games to secure victory.  

Anticipating this momentous occasion, ITTF President Petra Sörling reflected on the significance of the event, saying, ” Over four remarkable decades, the ITTF Worlds Cup has been an integral part of table tennis, shaping its story. The historical importance of this event in the context of ITTF’s journey reflects a heritage that will continue to guide the future of our sport. Now, by unifying men’s and women’s team events, the ITTF is trailblazing a pathway that champions gender equality, diversity, and the collaborative essence of teamwork. As the President of the Federation, I am deeply honoured to inaugurate this new chapter in the history of our beloved sport, building upon the enduring legacy of the ITTF World Cups.” 

The revival of the World Cup pays homage to the ITTF’s illustrious history as it approaches its centenary year and showcases its dedication to pushing the boundaries of the sport. In addition to the thrilling competition and the innovative format, the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023 offers an impressive prize pool of $800,000 USD, sure to motivate players to deliver their finest performances on the world stage. The stakes are high, and the rewards are substantial, making this event a must-watch for fans and an absolute must-participate for athletes. 

Liu Guoliang, Deputy President of the ITTF, expressed his excitement for the event, highlighting Chengdu’s passionate fanbase and the electric atmosphere that awaits. He stated, “We extend a warm invitation to global table tennis stars to join us in Chengdu, a region with a deep-rooted table tennis culture. The city’s fans are known for their enthusiasm and unwavering support, creating an extraordinary atmosphere. Chengdu is no stranger to hosting memorable events such as the ITTF World Championships Finals in 2022, and the upcoming ITTF Mixed Team World Cup promises to be another thrilling spectacle. It’s not just a competition; it’s a celebration of our sport.” 

On 26 August 2023, Chengdu was selected as the host city for the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023 for a consecutive five-year term (2023-2027).   

Steve Dainton, ITTF Group CEO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to introduce this exciting new format to the world.  We are still fine-tuning the event format, working closely with all parties. We look forward to sharing more information soon as we approach this monumental event in Chengdu, China.” 

As the countdown to December begins, the table tennis community, both fans and athletes, can anticipate an event that not only honours tradition but also heralds a thrilling level of table tennis excellence. Stay tuned for more updates as we draw closer to the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023 in Chengdu. 

The post Dynamic Playing System Revealed for ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023 appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

A factor 20 tournament for World ranking points, the 39-year-old won men’s singles class 3.

The win was as predicted, he commenced play as the top seed.

Likewise in the men’s singles events, Korea Republic’s Kim Hakjin justified his top seeded position to win class 1, an outcome that also applied to Chile’s Luis Bustamente in class 2, Belgium’s Marc Ledoux in class 8 and Brazil’s Gabriel Antunes in class 10.

Success for the favourites but in the men’s singles there was no shortage of surprise winners, the biggest upsets being caused by Brazil’s Carlos Moraes and Chile’s David Letelier.

Neither player seeded, Carlos Moraes won class 5, in the later rounds accounting for the host nation’s top seeded Mauro Depergola (11-6, 11-3, 11-5), prior to overcoming Great Britain’s Simon Heaps (15-13, 11-7, 11-6) to reserve his place in the final.

Consistent form, that good form continued, he overcame Argentina’s Elias Romero, the no.2 seed (9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-7), to secure his first ever title at a Para open international tournament.

Groundbreaking for Elias Romero, it was the same for David Letelier.

He won class 9, accounting for Argentina’s Eithan Skliarsky in the final (11-9, 11-7, 11-7), a player very much in form, at the semi-final stage, he had ended the hopes of Brazil’s Flavio Seixas, the top seed (7-11, 11-6, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9).

Wins very much against the odds, for the Chilean trio comprising Maximiliano Rodriguez, Cristian Dettoni and Claudio Bahamondes, the success was less surprising.

Maximiliano Rodriguez, the no.4 seed, emerged the class 4 winner, in so doing thwarting Brazilian hopes.

In the penultimate round he beat Eziquel Babes, the no.2 seed (11-9, 11-7, 11-7), prior to clinching the title at the expense of Ecildo Oliveira, a contest that must rank as one of the closest ever finals in the history of the Copa Tango.

The Chilean prevailed in a full distance duel, the fifth game a marathon (9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-5, 19-17).

Notably, Chile’s Cristian Gonzalez, the top seed, had departed in the first stage, he finished in third place in his initial phase group and thus did not qualify for the main draw.

Gold for fourth seed, in class 6 it was gold for the no.2 seed and an air of revenge.

On the opening day, in the group stage Cristian Dettoni had lost to colleague Matias Pino (11-8, 11-9, 11-7), in the final, he turned the tables to win in straight games (11-6, 12-10, 11-7).

Impressive from Cristian Dettoni, it had been the same one round earlier; in the penultimate round he ousted Ignacio Torres, the top seed, also from Chile, in five games (8-11, 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 11-8).

Four men’s singles titles for Chile, Claudio Bahamondes made it five; he won class 7.

At the final hurdle he accounted for Argentina’s Aleksy Kaniuka, the no.2 seed (9-11, 11-9, 14-12, 11-8), having one round earlier beaten Colombia’s Miguel Castro (9-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-4), the quarter-final winner in opposition to the host natin’s Cristian Canteros, the top seed (9-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-4).

Unexpected outcomes in the men’s singles, in the counterpart women’s singles there was just one.

Adding more to the Chilean golden haul, Florencia Perez prevailed in class 7-8. The no.3 seed, at the semi-final stage she beat Brazil’s Sophia Kelmer, the top seed (8-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8), prior to securing the title at the expense of Japan’s Yuri Tomono, the no.2 seed (11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5).

Otherwise, it was success for the favourites. Brazil’s Thais Severo won class 1-3, colleague Flora Vauthier secured the class 4-5 title; the one remaining event went the way Chile, Jessica Alzate succeeded in class 9-10.

Gold for Thais Severo and Flora Vauthier, on the concluding day of action it was the same.

They joined forces to win women’s doubles class 10, apart they enjoyed mixed doubles success.

Partnering colleagues, Thais Severo joined forces with Eziqueil Babes to win class 7, Flora Vauthier allied with Nicolas Savant-Aira to claim the class 10 top prize.

Success for Nicolas Savant-Aira meant he departed Buenos Aires with two titles, a situation that applied also to Sophia Kelmer.

Additional to the mixed doubles gold Nicolas Savant-Aira partnered colleague François Geulians to the men’s doubles class 8 top prize.

Meanwhile, competing in class 20, Sophia Kelmer secured the women’s doubles title alongside Yuri Tomono; the mixed doubles in harness with Gabriel Antunes.

Thus, Gabriel Antunes, the men’s singles class 10 winner, departed with two golds, a situation that applied to Florencia Perez, the women’s singles class 7-8 winner. She partnered Chilean colleague Ignacio Torres to mixed doubles class 14 gold.

Success for Ignacio Torres resulted in him joining the two-title brigade, additionally alongside Matias Pino he prevailed in men’s doubles class 14.

Rewards for Chile on the last day of play, there was also success for Cuba, Venezuela and the hosts.

The combination of Cuba’s Yunior Fernandez and Venezuela’s Roberto Quijada won men’s doubles class 4, Argentina’s Dario Neira and Alejandro Perez emerged successful in men’s doubles class 14.

Play concluded in Argentina, attention now turns to Nigeria, the three-day ITTF Fa20 Valuejet Lagos Para Open 2023 commences on Thursday 12th October.

• ITTF Fa20 Copa Tango – Podium Places
• ITTF Fa20 Copa Tango – Quotes of the Day
• ITTF Fa20 Copa Tango 2023 – Complete Results
• ITTF Finland Para Open 2023 – ITTF YouTube Channel

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Out of 38 scholarships awarded, an impressive 32 recipients are youth players under 19 years old. Some of them have already secured their tickets to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, offering not only inspiration to their peers but also a sign of encouragement for future generations. Our scholarship program has set three distinct goals: Paris 2024, World Youth Championships, and Youth Athlete Development, with an eye on the perspective of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Nineteen out of 32 youth players have brilliantly qualified for the upcoming World Youth Championships in Slovenia. These young talents represent the program’s efficacy in nurturing champions.

View the player list here for ITTF World Youth Championships 2023, happening from 26 November to 3 December 2023 in Nova Gorica, Slovenia.

The ITTF’s “With The Future In Mind” scholarship program, run in cooperation with Olympic Solidarity, supports athletes from promise to prominence. It emphasizes the ITTF’s commitment to fostering talent across the globe. Far from only offering financial support, the scholarship is intended to be a shared commitment between Member Associations and the ITTF in fostering a culture of excellence by creating the ideal training and competition environment for the supported players and providing a pathway for them to reach their full potential.

Recently, 8 scholarship holders celebrated qualification with their teams for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Lily Zhang represented the USA, and Bruna Takahashi represented Brazil in the women’s team event at the ITTF Pan American Championships. The competition was fierce, but the USA secured the first qualifying spot, while Brazil clinched the second. Nina Mittelham and Annett Kaufmann played a vital role in Team Germany’s qualification at the Stupa European Table Tennis Championships. They faced strong opposition, including Romania, but emerged victorious, securing their team’s ticket to Paris. Nicholas Lum and his teammates from Australia won the Men’s team event at the ITTF Oceania Senior Championships, booking Australia’s spot at the Olympic Games. Additionally, Nina Mittelham and Nicholas Lum secured qualification for the Mixed Doubles by winning their respective continental qualifying events with their partners (Qiu Dang for Germany and Minhyung Jee for Australia).

“The With The Future in Mind scholarship program doesn’t need any introduction. Over the years, it has been a successful supporting program for athletes,” remarked Massimo Costantini, ITTF High Performance Elite Coach. “I am personally very proud of the individual achievement of each scholarship holder and happy for the collaboration between ITTF High Performance and Member Associations and Coaches. In a very intense volume of training and events, the ITTF’s WFIM program has proven to be a crucial element for excelling in the sport of Table Tennis.”

These accomplishments reflect the program’s legacy and the impact it has had on athletes as they journey towards excellence. In addition to excelling on the youth stage, many of our scholarship holders have made significant leaps in their world rankings. Prithika Pavade and Felix Lebrun, both hopefuls for Paris 2024 and fan favourites, have displayed impressive progress. Pavade, at 19 years old, climbed from 110 to 40 in the Senior Women’s Singles ranking in just one year. Meanwhile, Lebrun, aged 17, surged from 75 to 15 in the Senior Men’s Singles ranking.

Annett Kaufmann, another promising talent, moved from rank 127 to 50 in the past year. Hana Goda from Egypt, who will turn 17 later this year, strengthened her position in the Senior Women’s Singles Top 100, rising from number 42 to 30. Another exciting development was the entry of Goda’s former Hopes Team colleague, Quek Yong Izaac, into the Top 100 of the Men’s Singles Ranking this year. He made waves at his home Smash in Singapore, climbing from rank 200 to 65 over the past 12 months.

Impressive results in Oceania also led to higher rankings for Australians Nicholas Lum and Aditya Sareen. Lum, at 18 years old, established himself within the Top 100, moving from 42 to 31 in the past year. Sareen achieved a significant milestone, moving from 261 to 37, largely due to his title at the ITTF Oceania Championships. Additionally, Antoine Razafinarivo from Madagascar made a memorable impact at the ITTF Africa Cup, sealing his place in the Men’s Doubles at the 2024 ITTF Africa Championships.

“As we celebrate these achievements, we also acknowledge the dedication of the Member Associations. They have played a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing their players, utilizing the support from the scholarship program to create a thriving environment for growth and development.” – Mikael Andersson, ITTF Group Sports Director

These collective achievements underscore the bright future of table tennis, and the “With The Future In Mind” scholarship program continues to provide the training and competition opportunities needed for young players to flourish.

The post Nurturing Champions: The ITTF’s Scholarship Program’s Path to ITTF World Youth Championships and Paris 2024 appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

The event will reach new heights on this occasion, welcome its biggest ever entry, with a total of 141 players.

The tournament was initiated by the CEDIMA club as a test event for the first Para Pan American Championships held later in 2001; following the inaugural edition Vitaliano Brandoli took charge, a man who impressed Pablo Perez, the ITTF Para Table Tennis Events and Classification Manager, when they met.

“I was there in 2016 for the first time and I met Vitaliano Brandoli. I was able to witness the passion and care that he put in every edition considering the limited resources that they usually have. Unfortunately, Vitaliano passed away five years ago but Argentina can be proud today that his legacy still lives on.” Pablo Perez

The inaugural Copa Tango was staged in July 2001, when 62 players from three countries participated; including individual and team events Argentina and Brazil each won 10 titles, two finished in Chilean hands.

One of the titles was won by Ricardo Perdiguero, he secured gold in men’s team class 4-5 alongside Luis Ferreyra, the player against whom earlier he had experienced defeat in the men’s singles class 5 final. Nowadays he is the President of the Argentina Para Table Tennis Federation.

Vitaliano Brandoli at the helm, success for Ricardo Perdiguero, the man delegated to ensure a smooth operation by fulfilling the role of Competition Manager was Leandro Olvech, nowadays the Director of the ITTF Foundation. He is a major reason why the tournament is named Copa Tango, not Copa Buenos Aires or Copa Argentina!

“The Copa Tango was born out of needs and made with immense effort, love and passion. These three factors played a pivotal role in the development of Para table tennis in Argentina; as well as the region, I feel proud of being part of that history as the former Competition Director. Congratulations to those who have tirelessly organised the Copa Tango year after year, making it bigger and better, to the Argentina Table Tennis Federation, the CEDIMA club, where I started as a volunteer coach when I was 14 years old and opened my eyes to a new world. I will always remember them as I literally have their logo tattooed on my heart. Sometimes I think that probably I wouldn´t be working for the ITTF Group without that beginning on my early years.” Leandro Olvech

A link with the inaugural tournament, it is the same for this year’s Competition Manager; the role is fulfilled by Brazil’s Edimilson Pinheiro, Chair of the ITTF Para Table Tennis Committee. In 2001 at the Copa Tango, he won the men’s singles class 9 title as well as the men’s singles open standing category; in the final of class 9, the player he beat was João Nascimento, he competes this year.

Also, from Brazil Iranildo Espindola and Ercildo Oliveria compete. In 2001, Iranildo Espindola won men’s class 1-2, Ercildo Oliveira was the runner up in men’s singles class 4.

Likewise, Argentina’s Gabriel Copola and Giselle Muñoz ply their skills. At the inaugural tournament Gabriel Copola emerged the men’s singles class 4 runner up; Gizelle Muñoz won both women’s singles class 10 and women’s open standing.

All are major contenders for honours, as is one young player not even born when the first edition was held. Brazil’s 15-year-old Sophia Kelmer, bronze medallist in women’s singles class 8 at the Andalucia 2022 World Para Championships, defends her title.

She was born in 2007, the year in which Costa Rica’s Domingo Arguello won men’s singles class 6, he returns this year in search of repeat success.

Additionally, Thais Severo, also from Brazil, the women’s singles class 2-5 winner one year ago, will once again be on duty, as will six of her male counterparts all aiming to effect successful title defences.

Cuba’s Yunier Fernandez, the class 1 winner last year, competes as does Argentina’s Elias Romero in class 5 and Alejando Perez in class 8.

Meanwhile, from neighbouring Chile, Luis Bustamente will be seeking repeat success in class 2, a situation that applies to his compatriots Cristian Gonzalez in class 4 and Manuel Echaveguren in class 10.

Good form a year ago but it is recent good form that counts; no player fits that bill more than Ignacio Torres, also from Chile.

Competing in men’s singles class 6, earlier this year he won in Brazil, Montenegro and at the Youth Pan American Games in the Colombian capital city of Bogota; more recently in July, he was the runner up in the United States.

Ignacio Torres starts as a major title contender as in the women’s singles does Japan’s Yuri Tomono in class 8, in addition to Brazil’s Thais Severo in class 3 and Argentina’s Maria Garonne in class 2.

Notably, in June, Yuri Tomono won in Thailand; in Brazil in March Thais Severo and Maria Garrone were both silver medallists.

Play commences with the men’s and women’s singles events followed by men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

• ITTF Fa20 Copa Tango 2023 – Latest Draws & Results
• ITTF Finland Para Open 2023 – ITTF YouTube Channel

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In September we witnessed a milestone of Para Table Tennis development pass with the first ever Para Table Tennis Training Camp organized in Africa within the framework of the ITTF Development plan, taking place in Giza, Egypt from 15-19 September 2023. The camp was led by Alessandro Arcigli, Chair of the Paralympic Committee of the ETTU and the Head Coach of the Italian Para Team.

“The assignment received from ITTF made me very happy and proud. I was very enthusiastic to have participated in this initiative, which the entire ITTF considers very important, for the growth of the Paralympic movement of this continent and my first thanks is to Polona Cehovin, ITTF Development Director and for Omar Refaat Bassyouni, ITTF Development Projects Manager. I was happy and proud that they chose me for this important activity. The environment was wonderful, and I was truly impressed by the commitment made by the players.  I found them all very motivated and happy to be able to train, followed by ITTF coaches.” Alessandro Arcigli (ITA)

The training camp had multi-faceted objectives. For one, it was intended as a focal point for African Para Table tennis athlete aiming to prepare for the subsequent ITTF African Para Table Tennis Championships, while also generally working on improving their skills and performance. Another aspect of the training camp was promotional, targeted at increasing the visibility of Para Table Tennis within the African continent and opening doors for people with disabilities to see Para Table Tennis as a viable sport option, aiming at an increase in quality and quantity of Para Table Tennis athletes within the continent.

“I wanted to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding table tennis camp organized by ITTF, which was an incredible experience. The combination of the well-structured camp and the expertise of Coach Alessandro Arcigli made it truly exceptional. Coach Alessandro Arcigli’s coaching style was nothing short of remarkable. His attention to small details in our gameplay made an enormous difference in our performance. He possesses an exceptional ability to spot even the slightest nuances in our techniques and provide tailored guidance. It’s these small adjustments that have already begun to pay dividends, and I can see a significant improvement in my skills.” Tankiso Hata, athlete (RSA)

A total of 21 athletes from 5 Member Associations (Mauritius, South Africa, Egypt, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire) participated, of which 10 were women and 11 men, with 12 wheel-chair athletes and 9 standing, making it a very balanced camp in all regards. 4 coaches from Egypt and Cameroon joined their athletes in the camp, sharing skills and knowledge with each other and the participating athletes.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such motivated Para Table Tennis athletes under the guidance of a passionate coach like Alessandro, who possesses a global perspective mindset to PTT training and development. In just one week, it has been an exceptional experience for me as a coach. I am wholeheartedly committed to assisting ITTF in their mission of making table tennis accessible to all, contributing in my own modest way. Together, let’s make table tennis a sport for everyone.” Yong Clement, coach (CMR)

The schedule contained regular training sessions, multi-ball sessions, and matches. The twice daily sessions focused on regular and special training exercises, while for the last day, the main focus was on playing matches. A short meeting was held at the end of the camp analyzing the work completed and identifying further work to be done at home. During the last session, the athletes had the opportunity to practice in the main venue of the 2023 ITTF African Para Championships.

The camp in Giza provided athletes and coaches an excellent opportunity to interact with participants from across the continent and train in a different manner than usual. This not only demonstrates the participant’s own dedication to table tennis, but also strengthens Africa’s position as a new hub for Para Table Tennis.

The Camp reflected ITTF Development’s commitment to fostering long-term growth worldwide. Its objective was to establish an enduring legacy marked by improved table tennis infrastructure, expanded Para player opportunities, and a strengthened network of empowered coaches. The primary focus was on harnessing the potential of Africa’s dynamic Para players. Through intensive training sessions, personalized guidance, and exposure to world-class playing styles, participants are poised for a transformative journey, facilitated by the advice of the coaches who gave them many useful ideas to introduce variations in their playing style.

“It was a really exciting experience for me. I benefited a lot from Mr. Alessandro’s comments and remarks. Moreover, training with different players from different countries was really useful and fruitful. I hope it could be held for many times.” Ahmed El-Mahs, athlete (EGY)

ITTF PTT Grants 2023:

The ITTF PTT Athlete Grants strive to assist Member Associations by offering dedicated support to promising and talented Para Table Tennis athletes of all classes, enhancing their training process and/or increasing their participation in international PTT-sanctioned events in 2023, with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in mind.

12 Athletes (8 female and 4 male) from 9 MAs (Brasil, Colombia, USA, Egypt, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia) benefited from the PTT Grants in 2023, which supported them in gaining international exposure and actively participating in the 2023 ITTF PTT sanctioned events.

In Africa, Christiana Ikpeoyi (Women’s Class 5) and Olatunji Ogunkunle (Men’s Class 4) from Nigeria used their grants to participate in the ITTF Fa20 Saudi Arabia Para Open from 8-10 August, where both athletes won a silver medal in the single events in their respective class. This showed to be great preparation for the 2023 ITTF PTT African Championships in Giza (EGY) which took place from 20-23 September, where they were able to secure their spots for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games by winning the gold medal in their respective categories.

“I am so grateful to the ITTF for the opportunity to participate in the international ITTF sanctioned events. We were lacking international exposure, and the grants supported me to prepare for such big events like the ITTF PTT African Championships” Christiana Ikpeoyi (NGR)

Hana Hammad (Women’s Class 6) and Faiza Mahmoud (Women’s Class 5), are planning to use their grants to participate in the upcoming ITTF Fa20 Value Jet Lagos Para Open in Nigeria from 12-14 October, as both players are looking to improve their ranking in the fight for a Paralympic ticket.

In Asia, Muntadher Al-Sarraji (Men’s Class 4) from Iraq used his grant to participate in the ITTF Fa40 Taichung Para Open in Chinese Taipei from 21-24 July, where he was able to secure a bronze medal in a very competitive class. Saudi Arabia’s Class 1 athlete Maryam Almyrisl used her grant to participate in a training camp in Egypt in July, which helped her in winning the gold medal in the Women’s Class 1 event of the ITTF Fa20 Saudi Arabia Para Open.

“I would like to thank the ITTF for the PTT Grants initative. I benefited a lot from the grant in my training camp in Egypt, where I was able to advance my performance through several training sessions and exposure to different players. It was a valuable experience for me.” Maryam Almyrisl (KSA)

“The Grant was invaluable in its support for the training camp of Maryam in Egypt, where she was exposed to a high performance training environment and friendly match experience with the Egyptian team” Hossam Elshobary, KSA PTT National Coach

In the Americas, Manuela Guapi Guzman (Women’s Class 3) from Colombia and Carlos Eduardo Freire de Moraes (Men’s Class 5) from Brazil used their grants for participating in the ITTF Fa20 Finland Para Open, and are planning to participate also in the upcoming ITTF Fa20 Copa Tango Para Open in Argentina from 6-8 October 2023, with a view towards the upcoming ITTF Para Panamerican Games 2023 in Santiago de Chile (CHI).

The next step in PTT Development for Asia and the Americas is the 2023 ITTF National Para Table Tennis (PTT) Training Camp Support initiative which is an opportunity for Member Associations to provide to the local Para players an opportunity to practice in a suitable accessible environment, while raising the level of playing and preparing for the forthcoming ITTF Asian Para Games and ITTF Para Panamerican Games 2023 . The initiative is designed to support the current plans for MAs to prepare their Para players for the qualifications of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

The post Para Table Tennis Development Initiatives Take Center Stage appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

As the supreme authority of the IPC, the General Assembly gathered over 300 attendees from 166 IPC members, including National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), International Federations (IFs), Regional Organisations, and International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled.

On the first day, the General Assembly officially ratified five new members, expanding the IPC’s membership to 208 (183 NPCs). The new members are the NPCs of Bangladesh and Kosovo; Saudi Arabia, previously an NPC and now an integrated NOC (National Olympic Committee)-NPC; and the IFs of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the International Biathlon Union (IBU).

The IPC General Assembly partially suspended the NPCs of Russia and Belarus. This decision suspends all NPC Russia and NPC Belarus membership rights for two years, with the exception that their athletes and related support personnel will be eligible to participate in an individual and neutral capacity in the Paralympic Games. This is subject to athletes and support personnel meeting such conditions of participation set by the IPC Governing Board. NPC Russia and NPC Belarus are also not allowed to organise any sport event/competition involving other IPC members.

The gathering of the Paralympic Movement also included an Association of Para Sports Organisations meeting on 26 September and an IPC Conference on 27 September. Several meetings and exchanges with the IPC President, leaders of different NPCs and IFs occurred, along with a meeting with Bahrain Table Tennis Association Vice-President, Ali Al-Madeh.

After the event concluded, President Petra Sörling praised Shaikh Mohamed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President of the National Paralympic Committee of Bahrain, for a flawless organisation.

“The ITTF has nurtured close ties with Bahrain over the years. With the IPC General Assembly, we witnessed Bahrain’s commitment to the development of Para sports, and we look forward to working closely with Bahrain NPC and Bahrain Table Tennis Association to expand the footprint of Para table tennis.” — President Petra Sörling.

Both Presidents, Sörling and Shaikh Al Khalifa, alongside Secretaries General Calin and Mr. Ali Al Majed, discussed the positive impacts of integrating Para Table Tennis and Table Tennis in other countries, particularly in coaching, development, and competitions. They explored areas of cooperation between the NPC and the member association to maximize benefits for para-athletes.

The ITTF and Bahrain jointly announced the inaugural ITTF Para Table Tennis event in Manama – the ITTF Fa20 Bahrain Para Open 2024 – scheduled for January next year. The event aims to secure a yearly fixture on the international calendar, and preparations are well underway.

President Petra Sörling reiterated her commitment to advancing Para table tennis globally and looks forward to continued collaboration with the IPC, NPCs, and member associations, fostering an inclusive and thriving environment for athletes of all abilities.

The post ITTF’s Commitment to Para Table Tennis Development Amplified After Impactful Participation in IPC General Assembly appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

Click here to register for the World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships 

One of the most beautiful aspects of table tennis is that the sport is for all and for life, regardless of skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, there’s a place for you in these championships. It’s not about how good you are at table tennis; it’s about coming together as a community, enjoying the game, and reaping the health benefits. 

Participating in the World Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Table Tennis Championships is not just about competition; it’s about creating a strong sense of community. When you join these events, you’re joining a global network of individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs that come with these conditions. You’ll find camaraderie, support, and lasting friendships that extend far beyond the table tennis table. 

What’s more is that the sport of Table tennis is more than just a fun pastime; it offers a multitude of health benefits. Studies have shown that regular table tennis practice can significantly improve physical and cognitive function, boost mood and well-being, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders.

Table Tennis can help improve motor skills, balance coordination, and cognitive function. By making table tennis a regular part of your routine activities, you can actively contribute to your well-being. The World Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Championships aim to raise awareness of the benefits of regular table tennis practice for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.   

But we can’t make these a success without your help. Help us spread the word far and wide! Let your friends, family, and support groups know about this unique opportunity. Encourage others to register and join the movement. The more participants we have, the stronger our community will become. 

Join us, make new friends, and be a part of something truly special. Together, we can raise awareness, support each other, and show the world that Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s don’t define us – our strength and unity do.  

The post Last Chance to Register for the World Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Table Tennis Championships! appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.