By fusing the realms of men’s and women’s team events, the ITTF is pioneering an avenue of expression that champions gender equality, diversity, and the collaborative spirit of teamwork. This groundbreaking concept not only reshapes the competitive landscape but also introduces a platform to showcase athletes’ prowess in a whole new dimension.

The decision to revive the World Cup was endorsed by the ITTF Council held in Bangkok during the recent ITTF Summit. Revitalising the World Cups exemplifies the ITTF’s rich legacy as the global governing body approaches its centenary year. Breathing new life into this iconic event aligns seamlessly with this mission.

ITTF President Petra Sörling expressed, “It is a privilege to witness a new chapter in our beloved sport’s history.  The legacy of the ITTF World Cup, spanning over four decades, is a testament to the passion and dedication of athletes who have etched their names into its history. This legacy, characterized by the camaraderie, the fierce competition, and moments of exceptional skill, shall forever remain an integral part of our sport’s heritage.”

A ceremonial signing took place on Saturday 26 August, in Chengdu. The event was graced by the presence of ITTF President Petra Sörling, ITTF Deputy President and WTT Chair of the Board Liu Guoliang, and ITTF Group CEO Steve Dainton. The agreement solidifies Chengdu’s role as the host of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023, slated for December, for a consecutive five-year term (2023-2027).

Liu Guoliang said, “Chengdu is once again in the spotlight, following the tremendous success of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals 2022 and tbe 2023 World University Games. These events not only showcased Chengdu’s charm and hospitality, but also affirmed the city’s superb capability in event organization and coordination – key to its selection as the host city as the first ITTF Mixed Team World Cup. Many congratulations to Chengdu.”

Originating in 1980, the first World Cup tournament unfolded in Hong Kong, China. Over time, the format has evolved, and the participant count has grown, yet the competition’s core principle remains unaltered: bringing together the finest athletes in the sport, ensuring representation from each continent, for an intense competition.

Dainton expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are thrilled to reintroduce the World Cup. The redesigned format for this esteemed competition has been meticulously crafted, promising greater excitement. The ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2023 encapsulates the essence of both tradition and innovation, uniting male and female players within the same team, all striving collectively for a world title.”

The post ITTF Unveils New Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

The ITTF World Championships Finals will return to the city of its birth to celebrate the centenary tournament in 2026. London will host the marquee event exactly 100 years after it staged the first World Championships – alongside the inception of the ITTF – in 1926. 

Delegates at the ITTF’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) voted for London to host the event ahead of fellow bid city Bangkok. This was the conclusion of the ITTF Summit 2023, which encapsulated a series of enlightening discussions, significant decisions, and milestone announcements that are poised to shape the future of table tennis. The event, held from August 22 to 24 in Bangkok, Thailand, witnessed fervent participation from global table tennis stakeholders, athletes, and enthusiasts. 

“We are thrilled with the tremendous success of the 2023 ITTF Summit,” expressed ITTF President Petra Sörling. “The insightful discussions, transformative decisions, and captivating bids have left an indelible mark on the future of table tennis. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners who have contributed to this remarkable event and most importantly thank you to TTAT for hosting a tremendous Summit.” 

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every participant who contributed to the success of the Summit,” said Steve Dainton, ITTF Group CEO. “Our dedicated management team and elected representatives are united in propelling the advancement of our field, and these invaluable instances of unity fortify our alignment with strategic goals. A special thanks to Thailand for providing an exceptional platform that facilitated a seamless exchange of ideas among us all.”

It’s coming home – London to host the ITTF World Championships in 2026  

Members Associations selected London as the host city for this historic event, which holds even more profound significance as it marks the return of the event to the city where it all began in 1926. 

This selection feels like a full circle moment, as the event returns to the very place where it was first hosted, completing a century-long journey of the sport’s growth. With London at the helm, the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals 2026 promises to be an extraordinary occasion, celebrating the 100-year journey of table tennis.  

It will be the first time England has hosted the Worlds since 1997 and the first time since 1954 that the championships has been held in London. The ITTF and its event platform, World Table Tennis, are committed to work with Table Tennis England to use this momentum to bring even more events to the English fans.  

Adrian Christy, CEO of Table Tennis England, said: “This is the most fantastic news we could have wished for. The global table tennis family has put its faith in Table Tennis England to deliver a memorable championships in London, and I can promise that is exactly what we will do. To bring the centenary World Championships back to the city where it all began is a huge honour and a massive boost for the sport in this country. 

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I am proud that London is hosting the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships. Bringing the centenary tournament back to our great city where it began is a fantastic boost for both local sport and the economy, and it will also be the most environmentally sustainable championships to date. London is the sporting capital of the world, from grassroots to the elite level, and I look forward to Wembley putting on a memorable show.” 

Moreover, during the ITTF Council meeting that took place on Wednesday, the Council had voted to increase the number of teams participating in the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals, which will add another layer of significance to London’s hosting. Starting in 2026, the event will feature 64 teams, reflecting the sport’s commitment to growth, inclusivity, and a global reach. 

 ITTF World Youth Championships: Romania 2025, Bahrain 2026  

Bahrain and Romania were also bidding to host the ITTF World Youth Championships 2025. During the ITTF Summit, the quality of the bids presented by these two nations impressed the ITTF Council, leading to a remarkable decision that exemplified the Council’s confidence in both candidates.  

This resulted in a unique outcome – a double attribution for both the years 2025 and 2026 – a testament to the dedication and capabilities of both nations. The Council’s decision was ratified during the AGM, solidifying Manama, Bahrain, as the host for the ITTF World Youth Championships 2026.  

The decision to award both Bahrain and Romania with the opportunity to host these prestigious championships is not only a testament to the growing youth engagement in table tennis but also a reflection of our commitment to fostering the development of young talents on a global stage. 

Successful Summit provides an exchange platform for table tennis family  

The ITTF Summit 2023 provided a platform to align the global table tennis community towards a future marked by growth, inclusivity, and innovation, setting the stage for a new era in the sport’s evolution. 

The first day showcased a diverse array of sessions. The newly introduced Growth Workshops offered strategic insights, fostered interactive discussions while covering subjects from revenue amplification to diversity that were led by experience speakers, including, Gabriella Müller who shared insights into fostering inclusivity across the table tennis landscape. The day also included the Plenary Session that focused on growing a resilient and sustainable future for the sport.  

The focus of the second day shifted to the heart of ITTF World Championships. Esteemed speakers deliberated on the evolution and future trajectory of this prestigious event. Following this, the ITTF family shared their collective takeaways from the preceding workshops, symbolising a community united by learning. An engaging Quick Connect session allowed Member Association representatives to interact with and glean insights from the ITTF Group Staff. The day culminated with Bangkok and London presenting their compelling bids to host the coveted ITTF World Championships 2026, underscoring the event’s enduring allure.  

The final day of the ITTF Summit culminated in the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where the global table tennis community united to deliberate on critical matters and collectively shape the sport’s trajectory. Amidst discussions and insightful exchanges, member representatives cast their votes on pivotal decisions such as the adoption of the new ITTF Strategic Plan focusing on:  

• Governance & Sustainability: Establishing strong decision-making structures and transparent policies, the plan nurtures collaboration with Continental Federations, Member Associations, and stakeholders. The goal is a robust central governing body, well-resourced and committed to table tennis’ sustainable development. 
• Business Growth: Crafting a riveting lineup of international events, the plan aims to elevate global interest in the sport. With a focus on Table Tennis as a leading Olympic and Paralympic discipline, the plan spotlights the sport’s stars for heightened entertainment. 
• Society & Health: By offering inclusive programs that highlight the social and health advantages of the sport, the plan ensures table tennis remains accessible for all, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

The new strategic plan will serve as a compass in navigating the post-COVID-19 landscape, propelling table tennis towards sustainable growth and global distinction. 

Member Associations also received an update from the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, detailing the plans for table tennis at the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, highlighting significant advancements in venue and village preparations, as well as positive ticket sales progress. 

Prior to the Summit, the ITTF Executive Board held a meeting on Monday, 21 August, with discussions that included underscoring the necessity of reinforcing pre-emptive measures against match manipulation within the realm of table tennis. 

Additionally, the AGM voted in favour to host the ITTF Summit and AGM in conjunction with ITTF World Table Tennis Championships. The ITTF Summit 2024 will be held in Busan following the ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2024.  

The post ITTF Summit 2023 Concludes with London Selected as host of Centenary World Championships in 2026 appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

During this historic event, SuperSport, the exclusive broadcaster for the Africa region, played a pivotal role in bringing the world-class table tennis action to African fans. They provided an ideal platform for viewers to support the African stars and witness unforgettable moments, including Omar Assar’s triumphant advancement to the quarterfinals—a momentous achievement for the continent. SuperSport’s coverage is a testament to the sport’s remarkable growth in the region and globally. 

The milestones extended well beyond traditional media, as the event garnered overwhelming success across multiple social media channels. The digital strategy to create content tailored to diverse audiences on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Weibo, and YouTube was evident. Moreover, the ITTF and World Table Tennis provided fresh and distinctive content daily, showcasing both the action around the table and behind the scenes, resulting in a wider event reach and stronger connections between players and their fan base. 

Social media also played a pivotal role in enhancing the event’s prominence, with Instagram posts receiving 86% more views than the 2021 ITTF World Championships Finals. YouTube content saw a substantial surge in popularity, recording 36% more views and an impressive 136% increase in watch hours. Additionally, the event experienced an 86% surge in interaction on Weibo, China’s flagship social networking site, further demonstrating its global appeal. The World Championships in Durban also left a remarkable digital footprint, as pageviews on the WTT website surpassed those recorded during the 2021 edition of the event.  

Reflecting on this milestone, Steve Dainton, ITTF Group CEO, expressed immense pride and joy, stating, “The ITTF World Championships Finals Durban 2023 truly showcased the global growth of table tennis, with a special emphasis on its remarkable expansion in Africa. This historic event not only mesmerized over 1 billion viewers worldwide but also forged an enduring legacy for the sport within this vibrant continent. This unprecedented viewership is a resounding validation of ITTF’s unwavering commitment to fostering and developing the game on a global scale, ensuring that the joy of table tennis continues to reach and unite fans across the globe, with Africa playing a pivotal and integral role in this flourishing journey.”

The post Over 1 Billion Viewers Reached; 2023 ITTF World Championships Finals Durban Marks Historic Milestone for Table Tennis in Africa appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

The inaugural Olympic Esports Week, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Sport Singapore and the Singapore National Olympic committee (SNOC), is four-day festival showcasing the best of virtual sports. during the event, the ITTF will feature VR table tennis booths that will be open to the public. additionally, there will be a VR table tennis exhibition show match on the  stage on 24 June, with the best players in the world competing.

Commenting on the inclusion of VR Table Tennis in the event, Petra Sörling, ITTF President, stated, “There is no denying that Esports is a significant part of our future. As a federation, our goal is to use this new platform to foster participation in table tennis, both online and offline, in a healthy manner. Encouraging people to get active and engage in this sport is of utmost importance, and our collaboration with the International Olympic Committee and Eleven Table Tennis will help us achieve that. I would also like to thank the French Federation of Table Tennis which has been at the forefront of VR Table Tennis, organising their first national championships in December 2022.

Partnering with Eleven VR, the ITTF is able to provide the world’s most realistic experience with the game Eleven Table Tennis. Over the past two years, Eleven VR has successfully collaborated at the annual Singapore Smash, delivering an exhilarating experience to spectators.

Expressing excitement about the collaboration, Roman Rekhler, Chief Technical Officer and Creator of Eleven Table Tennis, remarked, “We are very excited to partner with the ITTF to spread the sport of table tennis through Eleven Table Tennis. We have focused considerable amounts of time on physics and ensuring that our game is ‘jaw-droppingly realistic.’ The backing of the ITTF points to the success of our endeavours. Esports continue to expand at a rapid pace, and showcasing a fast-paced sport like table tennis at the Olympic Esports Week will continue to bring fans far and wide into the sport. Eleven VR can reach people who cannot always make it to a table tennis club. Now they too have the opportunity to show their skills on a global stage.”

The Olympic Esports Week 2023 taking place in Singapore, is setting the stage for future participation in multi-sport events. The ITTF’s presence at this event exemplifies the significance of cooperation and integration with Esports for the future of the global sports movement.

Tickets for Olympic Esports Week are now available for purchase, with general admission starting at SGD 10 per day and three-day passes available from SGD 20. Tickets can be purchased here.

The post VR Table Tennis Presented by ITTF & Eleven VR Joins Olympic Esports Week 2023 as an Exhibition Sport appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

World No.1s Fan Zhendong and Sun Yingsha have emerged champions of the Men’s and Women’s Singles categories of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Durban 2023 respectively.   

In the Men’s Singles final, Fan Zhendong successfully defended his title after facing off against his fellow countryman World No.2 Wang Chuqin. Fan, who currently holds the top spot in the world ranking, displayed nerves of steel after Wang saved six match points, and eventually won the game 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 12-10, 11-13, 11-3 to maintain his status as the reigning World No.1.

After the win, Fan Zhendong remarked, “I did feel the pressure leading up to the match but managed to hold my nerve for the win. This is my first time in Durban, and I am happy that there are many fans supporting me in person and from the TV, as I would not have been able to do so well without their support.”  

In the Women’s Singles final, Sun Yingsha took on World No.4 Chen Meng. After a closely contested battle, Sun Yingsha emerged victorious with a hard-fought victory (5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6) over her compatriot. This would be the 22-year-old’s maiden World Championships title after falling short at the 2021 instalment in Houston.

On the penultimate day of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Durban 2023, the Women’s Doubles and Men’s Doubles champions were crowned.  Chen Meng and Wang Yidi clinched the title and lifted the W.J. Pope Trophy for Women’s Doubles. The Chinese duo triumphed in three straight sets (11-8, 11-7, 12-10) over Republic of Korea’s Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihee in a thrilling final, securing yet another title for their country.

China continued its dominance at the World Championships Finals as top seeds Fan Zhendong and Wang Chuqin lifted the Iran Cup Men’s Doubles Trophy after the Chinese pair successfully overcame a slow start to chalk up three games without response against Republic of Korea’s Jang Woojin and Lim Jonghoon (13-11, 11-6, 11-5).

Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha emerged victorious in the mixed doubles event 3-0 (11-6, 11-2, 11-7) against Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata of Japan, succesfully defending their title from the 2021 edition in Houston.

To commemorate the end of the tournament, two other special awards were given out. The Fair Play Award went to Wang Yidi of China for her demonstration of good sporting spirit. In a fiercely contested quarter-final match against Hina Hayata of Japan, Wang showcased tremendous poise and professionalism. Despite facing the disappointment of having nine match points saved by her opponent, Wang graciously congratulated Hayata, exemplifying the true essence of fair play and respect.  

Ma Long, widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest, was honoured with a prestigious accolade in recognition of his extraordinary achievement of winning the Men’s Singles event three consecutive times in 2015, 2017, and 2019. He was awarded a half-size replica of the historical St. Bride Vase Trophy by ITTF Deputy President, Liu Guoliang.

During the ceremony, Ma Long gave an emotional speech on the significance of this achievement, saying, “When I was young, I never thought that one day I would be standing here with this special trophy. Being here today is really an honour for me. I want to thank my country, our great team, my family, my friends and fans, for always inspiring me, supporting me, and making me a better man. I also want to show my gratitude to my opponents, because without them, I would not be where I am today. I hope that more people will eventually know about table tennis and grow to like the sport. Thank you, South Africa. Thank you, Durban.”  

Ma Long’s extraordinary achievements over his playing career that include securing the Men’s Singles title in three consecutive World Championships and winning five Olympic Gold medals further cements his status as a table tennis legend.   

To mark the end of the historic tournament held on African soil for the first time in 84 years, ITTF President Petra Sörling expressed her appreciation to individuals who have helped make the event possible, saying, “As we approach the culmination of the event, I would like to show my deepest gratitude to the Local Organising Committee, the South Africa Table Tennis Board, the city of Durban, the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the Government of South Africa, dedicated volunteers, our esteemed partners, and our team for their invaluable contributions in making this event a resounding success.“ 
 
She added, “Here we witnessed exceptional performances, promoting the sport and inspiring the future generation, especially on the African continent. Together, let us continue to elevate the sport and create lasting legacies that will resonate throughout the world.” 

As the curtains close on a special and historic World Championships, the table tennis community can look forward to the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 from 16 to 25 February next year. This will mark the first time in history that the event will be held in the Republic of Korea.

The post Clean Sweep for China at ITTF World Championships Finals Durban 2023 appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

Multiple bidders came forth to build on the inaugural ITTF Summit last year in Amman, Jordan. With an eye to continuing the success of this event, the ITTF has decided to award the ITTF Summit 2023 to Bangkok, Thailand and the ITTF Summit 2024 to Busan, Korea Republic. 

“After concluding the bid process for the ITTF Summit, we as a federation realised the opportunity that both hosts were providing in terms of growing and expanding this event,” Petra Sörling, ITTF President, said. “One of the big takeaways from our first Summit in Jordan was how the ITTF could use this yearly event to not only grow the sport, but to connect the table tennis family on a deeper level while doing so. I cannot wait to touchdown in Bangkok later this year for robust conversations and key decisions taken.” 

The decision was rubber-stamped during a meeting of the Executive Board held in Durban on Sunday 28 May.  

Bangkok will welcome a wide range of table tennis stakeholders on August 22-24 for three days of panels and workshops. In addition, the city will host a meeting of the ITTF Executive Board, Athletes’ Commission, the ITTF Council and the federation’s Annual General Meeting. 

At the AGM the ITTF will elect a host city for the ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2026, which will be the 100th anniversary of the first ever World Championships in London, United Kingdom.  

The ITTF Summit 2024 in Busan will be held following the conclusion of the ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2024 in the host city. Dates and programme for the 2024 Summit will be released in due course. 

Registration for the 2023 ITTF Summit in Bangkok will be open shortly.  

The post ITTF Announces Dual Summit Hosts for 2023 and 2024 appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

To mark the beginning of this highly anticipated event, a spectacular opening ceremony was on display in the presence of ITTF President Petra Sörling, South African Table Tennis Board President Joe Carrim, and the Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal Province Nomusa Dube-Ncube with vibrant dance, acrobatic performances, stunning costumes celebrating the heritage and diversity of the city. The official theme song of the World Championships, “Durban is the place to be” was also unveiled, with a live performance of Kyle Desai and King Licious, setting the tone for the tournament.

President Sörling said in her opening speech, “Africa boasts the youngest population among continents, and it is increasingly important to empower the younger generation to shape the future of sports. Starting right here, celebrating the diversity of Durban.”

“It has not always been this way. While in 1956, the ITTF recognized the non-discriminatory South African Table Tennis Board as the governing body in South Africa, paving the way for other sports organizations to take similar initiatives, the South African Table Tennis Board could not send teams to any international events for decades. Today, I am immensely proud to open the World Championships in South Africa.”

The event started with a symbolic African duel as South Africa’s youngest player Dean Levy faced Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw, setting the stage for the Men’s Singles round of 128, signifying the triumphant return of the World Championships to Africa.

Levy reflected on the unforgettable experience of playing in the opening match and expressed his support for fellow African players, stating, “Being in front of the home crowd as hosts of the tournament is a privilege I will never forget. This journey is a learning experience for me, and I eagerly look forward to representing my nation in future World Championships. Even though I’m out of the competition, I’ll be rooting for the African players!”

In the Women’s Singles, at 49 years old, Olufunke Oshonaike, a mother of two and the oldest African player in the tournament, expressed her joy in participating in this unique event. She shared, “Hosting this event in a beautiful African city is a source of happiness. I congratulate the achievements of fellow Africans like Omar Assar and Quadri Aruna, and I hope the women players excel as well!”

Africa’s top-ranked player Quadri Aruna emerged triumphant expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic support he received from spectators during the opening day. He said, “These championships are not just about South Africa, it is about Africa too. It felt as though I was playing a match in my home country. I have always gotten amazing support from the fans, and I must thank them for it. Ultimately, I hope that my win can inspire the young players from Africa too.”

Reigning Africa Cup champion Omar Assar (EGY) showcased his resilience with a come-from-behind victory against Alberto Mino (ECU), crediting the strong home support for his remarkable comeback.

Held at the Durban International Convention Centre from 20 to 28 May, the World Championships will not only exhibit thrilling matches but also provide an exciting fan experience. Spectators and the people of Durban will have the opportunity to actively participate in table tennis themselves, with many tables spread around the venue to engage in casual matches with family and friends.

Durban is proudly welcoming the world, showcasing its warm hospitality and unwavering passion. These historic World Championships are a powerful source of inspiration for generations to come, undoubtedly sowing the seeds of excellence to nurture a new wave of champions and contribute to the remarkable growth of the sport across the continent.

The post Historic World Championships Commence in Durban, Igniting a Momentous Celebration of African Table Tennis appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

Taking place from May 20 to May 28, the event will be held at the Durban International Convention Center and will showcase men’s and women’s singles, as well as men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles events. For eight days, 128 singles players and 64 doubles pairs will participate in a knockout competition, with the aim of being crowned the world champions in their respective categories.

This is the first time since 1939 that the World Championships is hosted on African soil, a significant milestone in the history of the sport.

Past champions, current competitors, playing system, schedules and much more… The media guide includes everything you need to know about the sport’s greatest annual showpiece.

Follow all the action online with the hashtags #ITTFWorlds2023 and stay updated with all the results here and on World Table Tennis website!

The post ITTF World Championships Finals 2023 – The Media Guide Is Available appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

To mark the occasion, member associations, organisations, clubs, and table tennis enthusiasts from around the world are set to organise events, tournaments, exhibitions, challenges and open-door sessions, inspiring everyone to engage with the sport. With over 400 registered celebrations across more than 100 countries and territories, this day will exemplify the power of table tennis in uniting people.

“We are thrilled to see so many people and organisations around the world pledge their support for World Table Tennis Day and planning celebrations on 23 April. It is a day that captures the joy of playing table tennis for fun, bringing people together, focusing less on competition and more on participation and enjoyment while showing how table tennis is a force for good in the world. This is a testament to the power of our sport to unite people and promote positive change. This year’s theme for World Table Tennis Day will build on the ITTF’s ongoing efforts to further commit to making sustainability a key part of all aspects of the sport, encouraging table tennis players and fans around the world to adopt sustainable practices both on and off the table.” — Petra Sörling, ITTF President

The ITTF Foundation is also partnering with all five Continental Federations to organise events that focus on sustainability for people, the planet, and prosperity through the sport.

• African Table Tennis Federation – Table Tennis for All event, in Egypt
• Asian Table Tennis Union – Event on Social Integration and Energy Conservation, in Qatar
• European Table Tennis Union – “Spin Towards Sustainability” at the U-21 European Championships, in Bosnia
• ITTF-Oceania – “Smash Down Barriers” to reduce social inequality, in Tonga
• ITTF-Americas – “Table Tennis for Sustainable Health and Environment”, in Argentina

Leandro Olvech, ITTF Foundation Director, added, “Through the far-reaching power of table tennis globally, we can promote and contribute to important social causes. This year’s focus on sustainability also reminds us that we all have a role to play, in terms of environmental factors, and also in ensuring the legacy of the sport and harnessing the power of our people to create a healthy, equitable, and prosperous society.”

As part of the celebration, an entertaining 24-hour livestream programme featuring exciting table tennis matches, exclusive interview sessions with star players, workout challenges, panel discussions and highlights from events around the world will be available and viewers can already register and see the full programme here.
 
One of the events celebrating World Table Tennis Day is jointly organised by the ITTF Group and the Sports Bureau of Macao, where a table will be set up outside the iconic Ruins of St Paul’s in Macao, China. The event will also feature Macao’s youth team, Para Table Tennis players, and Special Olympics players highlighting inclusivity is a key aspect of sustainability as it ensures all people, regardless of their backgrounds, have equal access to opportunities. In presence of ITTF President Petra Sörling, ITTF Deputy President Liu Guoliang, ITTF Group CEO Steve Dainton as well as star table tennis players, it is expected to attract a large crowd in celebration of this historic day and promises to be a truly special experience for fans in Macao before they witness the conclusion of the WTT Champions Macao 2023, with the Men’s and Women’s Singles finals scheduled from 18:00 local time.

This is the first time World Table Tennis Day will be celebrated on the 23 April. This new date is significant in the long history of the federation as it is the birthdate of Ivor Montagu, organiser of the first World Table Tennis Championships in 1926 and the founder and first president of the ITTF. This change comes at a time when the ITTF is preparing for its centenary. The ITTF is immensely proud of its history, looking for ways to showcase it more while it continues its mission to grow the game worldwide.
 
The ITTF looks forward to diverse communities from all over the world coming together to play table tennis and spread the message of unity and togetherness, while promoting sustainability and inclusivity. 
 
For more information and the full list of activation events around the world, please visit the ITTF Foundation website here. For photos of the events, please visit ITTF’s Flickr account.

The post Global Table Tennis Community Comes Together to Celebrate World Table Tennis Day appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

The ITTF Executive Board (EB) endorses the recent statement from the International Olympic Committee regarding status of players with a Russian or Belarusian passport in international competitions.

Having celebrated the 50th anniversary of Ping Pong Diplomacy recently, the EB notes that the ITTF is acutely aware of the potential dialogues sport can create. Table Tennis has a long history of bringing people together even when political ties have been tenuous. It can build bridges, leading to better understanding among peoples, and open the door for peacebuilding in ways that exclusion and division cannot.

The ITTF reiterates its call for peace and unequivocally condemns the war in Ukraine. It stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and will continue to support the Ukrainian table tennis community, making the utmost effort to ensure all Ukrainian players can participate in table tennis, para table tennis and youth events, worldwide.

A pillar of the Olympic Movement remains the autonomy that sports organisations must have. They should have sole responsibility for deciding which players can participate in international competitions based on their sporting merits and not on political grounds or because of their passports.

Noting this, the EB supports the admission of players with a Russian or Belarusian passport to international table tennis competitions organised by the ITTF and World Table Tennis under strict conditions of neutrality.

The ITTF has taken note of the IOC Executive Board’s Recommended Conditions of Participation for these players. The ITTF will review them and consult with other IFs to create official guidelines that spell out explicit conditions of participation for players and support personnel with a Russian or Belarusian passport.

Noting the current schedule, if all conditions are met, the earliest players could participate in an event is in May. As qualification for the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Durban 2023 has passed, players with Russian and Belarusian passport will be unable to participate.

While a pathway for players and support officials is being considered, the ITTF will continue to keep sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian governments in place as decided on 1 March 2022. These sanctions include:

• No Russian or Belarusian government or state officials will be allowed in events organised by the ITTF and World Table Tennis
• No Russian or Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags, or anthems will be displayed at events organised by the ITTF and World Table Tennis

The EB would like to extend its gratitude to the IOC for its work and guidance as well as to all the IFs that have worked in collaborative spirit to harmonise the approach regarding the participation of players with Russian and Belarusian passport.

###End###

The post ITTF Statement on the Participation of Players with a Russian or Belarusian Passport appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.