ITTF - International Table Tennis Federation - News

[Tristan Lavier]

ITTF President, Petra Sörling, completed a 10-day official visit to the Americas, to work on key activities for the development of the sport in the continent.

The visit combined grassroots events, engagement with the table tennis community, and high-level meetings with key sporting authorities in the region.

Invited by the ITTF-Americas Executive Board, President Sörling attended the ITTF-Americas 2025 General Assembly, which was held in Antigua, Guatemala, on Saturday 6 September 2025.

President Sörling addressed the delegates of the Member Associations present, congratulating Mr Juan Vila, ITTF-Americas President, and its Executive Board for the smooth running of the AGM. The delegates noted an ITTF presentation on Sustainability and ITTF Foundation initiatives, and the host cities for the 2026 ITTF-Americas events were decided.

In 2025, the ITTF Americas General Assembly took part during the Pan American U-11 and U-13 Championships, where the continent’s youngest talents displayed their passion and skill. President Sörling praised this decision of the ITTF Americas, which “allowed the delegates of the Member Associations to witness and support the table tennis future stars”.

Taking the opportunity to the visit to Guatemala, ITTF President was received on 4 September in Guatemala City by Mr Gerardo Aguirre, President of the Guatemala NOC, and Ms. Claudia Rivera, Member of the Guatemala NOC. Later, on 5 September, the Major of Antigua, Guatemala, Mr Juan Manuel Asturias, welcomed President Sörling to the Antigua City Hall.

President Sörling was also invited to the Executive Board Meeting of the ITTF Americas, held on 5 September, and had the opportunity to interact with several Member Associations Presidents and Delegates.

Following the events in Guatemala, President Sörling continued her visit to the Americas with an official visit to the Dominican Republic.

Mr Luis Mejia, President of Centro Caribe Sports, received the ITTF and ITTF-Americas delegation on 9 September, with discussions about the ITTF-Americas Academy, which aims to open in 2026 in the facilities of Parque del Este, built for the 2003 Pan American Games, and that are undergoing renovation for Central American and Caribbean Games 2026. President Sörling and Mr Mejia explored also potential collaborations of both institutions, which in 2026 will celebrate their respective centenaries.

From Left: FEDOTEME President Gary Hernandez, ITTF President Petra Sörling, and Dominican Republic NOC President Garibaldi Bautista

Mr Garibaldi Bautista, President of the Dominican Republic NOC, also received President Sörling at the Dominican Republic NOC premises on the same day. The concept of the ITTF-Americas Academy was further discussed together with Mr. Gary Hernandez, President of the Dominican Republic Table Tennis Federation and NOC Executive Board Member.

On 10 September, Jose P. Monegro, President of the Organising Committee for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026, received President Sörling. Discussions were held around the renovations being made in the Table Tennis venue of Parque del Este which will not only get ready the facilities for the 2026 edition of the Games, but furthermore, for the kick off of the Table Tennis Academy.

From left: ITTF-Americas President Juan Vila, Central American & Caribbean Games 2026 Organising Committee President José Monegro, ITTF President Petra Sörling, and ITTF Secretary General Raul Calin

The visit was completed with a visit to Honourable Mr Kelvin Cruz, Minister of Sports and Recreation of the Dominican Republic. The meeting abounded on the key aspect of the renovation of the infrastructure of Parque del Este Table Tennis venue to ensure it is fit for purpose for hosting the ITTF-Americas Academy.

ITTF President Sörling with Minister of Sports and Recreation of the Dominican Republic Kelvin Cruz

Honourable Mr Majin Diaz, Minister of Finance of the Dominican Republic, also greeted President Sörling, and discussed about table tennis, a sport he still practises today.

Private sector key figures, as Mr Felipe Vicini, CRESO President, and Ramon Hipolito Mejia, also met with the ITTF President, completing a very fruitful visit to the continent.

The visit underlined ITTF’s continued dedication to keeping table tennis ahead across all regions of the world, combining event delivery, institutional cooperation, and youth development as pillars of growth.

The post Youth, Partnerships and Growth: ITTF President’s Americas Tour Showcases Regional Potential for Table Tennis appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

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[Tristan Lavier]

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT) are pleased to announce a new four-year broadcast partnership with CazéTV, securing exclusive digital free-to-view rights in Brazil from 2025 to 2028.

The agreement will make table tennis more accessible than ever in Brazil. CazéTV will stream the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals and the ITTF Singles and Mixed Team World Cups, along with every WTT Grand Smash, WTT Champions, WTT Star Contender, and WTT Contender Series event. All available, free to view, and on-demand.

CazéTV is bringing the movement to life across the platforms where Brazilian fans already live and breathe sport. With primary distribution through YouTube, supported by integrations with Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Samsung TV Plus, and SKY+—where CazéTV became the first-ever linear channel—the reach is deep, the access is instant, and the experience is built for a new generation of fans.

“Table tennis is experiencing an incredible moment in Brazil, with stars like Hugo Calderano and Bruna Takahashi showing the world the strength and talent of our athletes,” said Felipe Aquilino, CazéTV Head of Media Rights. “At CazéTV, we see a perfect fit: it’s a sport that is dynamic, fast-paced and full of emotion – just like our community of young fans. We are proud to showcase these tournaments to millions of fans and to help grow the next chapter of table tennis in Brazil.”

The timing of the deal comes as Brazilian table tennis reaches new heights. Hugo Calderano, currently ranked World No.3, made history this year as the first Pan American player to win the ITTF Men’s World Cup in April, and the first South American to reach a World Championships final in May. Bruna Takahashi has also surged to a career-best World No.16, making her mark with strong international performances.

With this agreement, ITTF continues its mission to grow table tennis worldwide. CazéTV’s innovative reach and strong connection with young fans provide a unique opportunity to showcase the sport’s best events and athletes to a new generation in Brazil.

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[Tristan Lavier]

Batumi once again became the centre of youth table tennis as the WTT Youth Contender Batumi 2025 welcomed around 160 players from 20 member associations. For the fourth time Georgia hosted a stage of the WTT Youth Series, and this year’s edition is the largest so far.

Guests at the Opening Ceremony of WTT Youth Contender Batumi 2025

ITTF President Petra Sörling was invited to attend the event, joining the opening ceremony alongside distinguished guests. Among them were Shalva Gogoladze, Minister of Sport of Georgia; Maia Khajishvili, Minister of Education and Sport of Adjara; Pedro Moura, President of the European Table Tennis Union; Guram Gogoladze, President of the Georgian Table Tennis Federation; and Tariel Khechikashvili, President of the International Foundation of Sport, Tourism and Youth.

The event was organised by World Table Tennis and the Georgian Table Tennis Federation, with the support of the Ministry of Sport of Georgia and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara.

ITTF President Sörling with Georgian Table Tennis Federation President Gogoladze, European Table Tennis Union President Moura

President Sörling praised the efforts of the local organisers and congratulated Georgian Table Tennis Federation President Guram Gogoladze for his leadership in growing the sport.

During her visit, President Sörling held meetings with Minister Shalva Gogoladze, Guram Gogoladze, and ETTU President Pedro Moura. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, creating more opportunities for young players, and developing the sport’s presence in Georgia and the wider region.

ITTF President Sörling with Shalva Gogoladze, Minister of Sport of Georgia

“WTT Youth Contender Batumi 2025 showcases the role of youth events in shaping the future of table tennis. They help players gain experience and grow, and they also help our sport reach new audiences and inspire more young people to take part,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling.

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[Tristan Lavier]

Following the decision of the ITTF Tribunal on 1 September 2025, which confirmed the outcome of the Presidential election, the ITTF Executive Board convened on 20 September 2025 to determine the arrangements for the resumption of the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Executive Board decided that the AGM will resume on 15th of November in a fully online format. This decision responds to the need to guarantee the broadest possible participation, while ensuring a efficient conclusion of the remaining agenda items.

Due to the exceptional circumstances present in this case, the Executive Board based on Articles 1.41, 1.61.16 and 1.61.17 of the ITTF Statutes and based on Independent Swiss legal advice proceeded to vote on this matter during its meeting. The Executive Board were given the options of a fully remote online format or a hybrid meeting at the ITTF Headquarters in Lausanne. The board was also informed that an independent third party company will be used to ensure absolute impartiality in the handling of the continuation of the meeting and its remaining items.

Remaining agenda items are as follows:

1. Election of ITTF Executive Vice-Presidents
2. Ratification of the ITTF Council Members
3. Appointment of Committee Members
4. ITTF in 2026 – One Hundred Years
5. Next General Meeting
6. Any Other Business
7. Adjournment

The ITTF is confident that the resumption of the AGM will allow this matter to be concluded in a positive spirit and will provide the opportunity to move forward with renewed unity, fully dedicated to advancing the sport of table tennis worldwide.

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[Nathiyaah Sakthimogan]

A quarter of a century has passed since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games delivered one of table tennis’ most memorable chapters. From 16-25 September 2000, the State Sports Centre became the epicentre of world-class competition as 171 athletes from 48 nations battled for Olympic glory in the sport’s fourth Olympic appearance.

A Golden Generation on Display

Twenty-five years later, the names still resonate: Kong Linghui, Wang Nan, Wang Liqin, Yan Sen, and Li Ju. These champions, won medals but also defined an era of table tennis excellence that continues to inspire today’s generation of players.

Kong Linghui’s men’s singles triumph stands as a masterpiece of tactical brilliance. Facing a semifinal field that read like a who’s who of table tennis royalty – including Sweden’s Jan-Ove Waldner, People’s Republic of China’s Liu Guoliang, and Sweden’s Jörgen Persson – Kong navigated through to claim gold in a tournament that showcased the sport’s global elite.

Historic Moments and Lasting Records

The tournament produced moments that remain unmatched in Olympic history. France’s Patrick Chila and Jean-Philippe Gatien achieved something truly unique by becoming the only left-handed pair ever to win an Olympic table tennis medal, capturing bronze in men’s doubles. This remarkable feat has stood the test of time, remaining unchallenged through six subsequent Olympic Games.

Wang Nan’s dominant performance deserves special recognition – the Chinese star not only claimed women’s singles gold but also partnered with Li Ju to secure the women’s doubles title, completing a remarkable double victory that highlighted her versatility and championship mentality.

The Atmosphere of Champions

The passion in Sydney was palpable. Supporters created an electric atmosphere throughout the venue, particularly the Chinese fans who were celebrating as their athletes achieved a remarkable clean sweep of all four gold medals. The joy and pride radiating from the stands became as much a part of the story as the exceptional play on the tables.

Even royalty took notice, with Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia in attendance, adding an extra touch of prestige to proceedings as they supported their Swedish players.

A Legacy That Endures

Looking back 25 years later, Sydney 2000 showcased table tennis at its finest – combining technical mastery, competitive intensity, and global appeal on sport’s biggest stage.

The champions crowned in Sydney helped establish benchmarks that current players still aspire to reach, proving that some achievements transcend time and continue to inspire new generations of table tennis athletes worldwide.

The post 25 Years On: Looking Back at Sydney 2000’s Table Tennis Champions appeared first on International Table Tennis Federation.

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[Tristan Lavier]

On 23 September, the ITTF Tribunal issued its full written decision, following the operative decision of 1 September 2025, dismissing in their entirety the appeals filed by the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) and Mr. Khalil Al Mohannadi. The Tribunal confirmed the validity of the 2025 ITTF Annual General Meeting and the election of Ms. Petra Sörling as the ITTF President as of 27 May 2025.

This comprehensive and independent ruling conclusively affirms the legitimacy of the Presidential election, upholds the integrity of ITTF’s institutions, and strengthens its standing as a rules-based, democratic international federation.

ITTF Tribunal Findings​

The Tribunal concluded that the AGM was properly convened and governed regularly, in full compliance with the ITTF Statutes and Swiss law. It further held that no alleged irregularity, individually or collectively, justified annulment of the results. Specifically, the Tribunal found that:

• ⁠The AGM was properly and validly convened and conducted in a hybrid format.
• ⁠Every duly registered Member Association had the opportunity to exercise its voting rights.
• ⁠Quorum was established at roll call; the number of voting Member Associations could vary during the day within the announced maximum without raising any legal concern.
• ⁠The Presidential Election validly included both in-person paper ballots and remote electronic ballots. No timely objection was raised to remote participation, and the scrutineers reported no concerns.
• ⁠No procedural concern, whether alone or combined, warranted annulment or repetition of the election.

Notably, the Tribunal stated that “absolute priority at the voting procedures shall be given to ensuring that each member association was granted the possibility to exercise its voting rights. Any member association registered to the general meeting has right to decide whether it intends to participate in such general meeting in full or in part, whether it intends to express its will on all items of the agenda or only part of them. Therefore, the Hearing Panel sees no issue in the fact that the number of the voters varied during the AGM 2025 within the maximum limit, neither does it see any legal issue in the fact that the Presidential Election took into account all the votes, physical (cast in presence) and electronical (cast remotely).”

The full decision of the ITTF Tribunal is available here.

Definitive Resolution​

The decision confirms that the AGM and Presidential Election were conducted with due process, transparency, and full respect for the rights of the membership. It clearly settles all questions regarding the legitimacy of the election and reaffirms the credibility of ITTF governance.

With the legal process concluded, ITTF will now focus on finalising the details of the resumption of the 2025 AGM to take place on 15 November, and will continue advancing the sport of table tennis worldwide in a spirit of unity and good governance.

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[Tristan Lavier]

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has released its 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, which goes into effect on 1 January 2026.

The List specifies which substances and methods are banned both in-competition and out-of-competition, as well as substances that may be prohibited in particular sports.

WADA and ITTF strongly encourage athletes, coaches, support staff, and all sport stakeholders to review the Summary of Major Modifications carefully to avoid inadvertent violations in 2026.

The List is currently available for download on WADA’s website in English and French. A Spanish version will be released in the coming weeks.

For more details and access to the full documentation, please visit the WADA website.

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[Nathiyaah Sakthimogan]

New Zealand welcomed the para table tennis community today as Auckland began hosting the ITTF Oceania Para Championships, running through to 28 September. This marks the country’s first para table tennis championship since the ISMWSF World Games in 2003.

The championship carries added significance as a qualification pathway for the ITTF World Para Championships 2026. These world championships will be particularly special as they take place during ITTF’s centenary year, marking 100 years since the federation’s founding in 1926.

The ITTF Oceania Para Championships serves as a direct qualification pathway to the ITTF World Para Championships 2026, with one top-placed male athlete from each class and one top-placed female athlete from each class (excluding WS1) earning their spots at the world championships.

This qualification system operates across all five ITTF Para Continental Championships (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania), with a total of 50 male and 45 female athletes set to qualify globally for Pattaya 2026. For athletes competing in combined class events, qualification slots are awarded based on ITTF Para World Singles Rankings within their respective classes.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the 48 competitors in Auckland, as strong performances this weekend could secure direct entry to para table tennis’s premier global competition.

The tournament has set new participation records with 48 players from eight different Member Associations competing across various classifications. The inclusion of Pacific Island nations represents a particular achievement, given the geographical challenges these regions face in international competition.

Following the remarkable success of para table tennis at Paris 2024, three Australian Paralympic medallists are in action in Auckland. Lei Li Na (Bronze WS9), Yang Qian (Gold WS10), and Ma Lin (Bronze MS9) are all competing, bringing their Paralympic experience to inspire the next generation of para athletes.

The presence of these champions reflects the continuous rise of para table tennis, particularly following this year’s reimagined ITTF World Para Circuit, which has elevated competition standards and global visibility for the discipline.

New Zealand’s own Paralympic representative Matthew Britz is one to watch, entering as the top seed in Men’s Singles Class 7 and a strong candidate for gold on home soil.

Table Tennis New Zealand has actively promoted para table tennis development over the past two years through educational initiatives including classification seminars, culminating in hosting this championship to provide local players with valuable home competition experience.

The qualification stakes are adding extra intensity to every match, with places at the ITTF World Para Championships 2026 on offer. These world championships will hold extra significance as they coincide with the ITTF’s centenary year, creating a perfect blend of celebrating the sport’s rich history whilst embracing its bright future.

The ITTF World Para Championships Pattaya 2026 represent the pinnacle of para table tennis competition, and the pathway began today in Auckland.

Para table tennis continues its upward trajectory following the spectacular success at Paris 2024, where the sport captivated global audiences with its incredible athleticism and inspiring stories. The reimagined ITTF World Para Circuit has provided enhanced competition opportunities and increased visibility, contributing to the discipline’s remarkable growth.

This championship embodies the ITTF’s commitment to developing para table tennis across all regions, ensuring athletes from diverse backgrounds have opportunities to compete at the highest level.

Competition is now underway and streaming live on Table Tennis New Zealand’s Facebook and on ITTF Oceania’s YouTube. With Paralympic champions, rising stars, and qualification places all in the mix, the ITTF Oceania Para Championships is delivering exciting sporting competition whilst opening pathways to the ITTF World Para Championships Pattaya 2026.

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[Nathiyaah Sakthimogan]

When Ubiraci “Biriba” Rodrigues da Costa stepped onto the court in Beijing in 1961, few could have predicted what would unfold. The 15-year-old from Brazil was about to deliver one of table tennis’s most shocking upsets, defeating World Champion Rong Guotan before a stunned crowd of 15,000 Chinese supporters.

The victory reverberated far beyond the arena walls. In an instant, Brazilian table tennis had arrived on the world stage, and a teenager had become the catalyst for generations of players who would follow in his footsteps.

The magnitude of Biriba’s Beijing triumph was reflected in Brazil’s reaction. He joined the pantheon of national sporting heroes alongside Pelé and Maria Esther Bueno, receiving personal congratulations from President Jânio Quadros. The telegram from the nation’s highest office underscored how completely his achievement had captured the Brazilian imagination.

Biriba’s talent had been evident years before Beijing. At just 13, he had already made headlines by defeating Japanese World Champions Toshiaki Tanaka and Ichiro Ogimura in exhibition matches in São Paulo. That same remarkable year saw him become the first South American player to claim all four titles at the South American Championships — singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team — a clean sweep that announced his arrival emphatically.

The professional landscape of 1960s table tennis offered limited opportunities for sustained elite careers, yet Biriba’s influence extended far beyond his competitive peak. He later dominated Brazil’s veterans’ circuit for over a decade, his presence inspiring players across multiple generations.

For Biriba, success was measured in more than trophies accumulated:

“Table tennis isn’t just about victories, titles, and fame. For me, the most important thing was the friendships, the socialisation of children. Having a competitive spirit, knowing how to win and lose, prepares us for life.”

This perspective shaped how he viewed the sport’s evolution in Brazil. Speaking about Hugo Calderano’s breakthrough performance at Rio 2016, Biriba called it “extraordinary” and prophetic of Brazilian table tennis’s bright future. His prediction proved remarkably accurate — Calderano has since claimed the ITTF Men’s World Cup 2025 title, reached a World Championships final, and established himself among the globe’s elite players.

Today’s success stories in Brazilian table tennis — led by Calderano’s remarkable achievements — can trace their lineage directly to that pivotal moment in Beijing over six decades ago. Biriba didn’t just win a match; he opened a pathway, established a tradition, and proved that Brazilian players belonged among the world’s finest.

His legacy lives not only in record books but in the continued belief that anything is possible when talent meets opportunity. The door he forced open in 1961 remains wide open today.

The ITTF joins the Brazilian Table Tennis Confederation (CBTM), his family, and the global sporting community in mourning the loss of Ubiraci “Biriba” Rodrigues da Costa, who passed away today. His remarkable life story and impact on the sport will forever be remembered as that of a pioneer whose influence transcended any single victory.

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[Tristan Lavier]

ITTF President Petra Sörling completed an East Asian tour with productive visits to Japan and Korea Republic, advancing cooperation with national stakeholders and the wider Olympic community.

“Japan and Korea Republic are valued active members of our global family,” said President Sörling. “These visits reaffirmed our shared commitment to development, strong governance, and outstanding events.”

President Sörling began with a two-day programme in Tokyo, where she was welcomed by the Japan Table Tennis Association President Masaya Kawata, Vice President Ichiro Hoshino, and ITTF Executive Vice President Masahiro Maehara. The meeting opened with greetings and an appreciation of Japan’s long contribution to table tennis and the close partnership between JTTA and the ITTF.

Talks centred on collaboration for athletes’ wellbeing and on the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals 2028 in Fukuoka. JTTA confirmed that preparations are under way. President Sörling noted the high expectations of the global table tennis family for a major return to Japan and praised the country’s record of delivery.

“The ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2028 will be a milestone for our sport and a celebration of Japan’s table tennis tradition,” said President Sörling. “We look forward to working closely with JTTA to provide a world-class experience for players, fans, and partners.”

The visit also included a courtesy visit to the Japanese Olympic Committee. President Sörling met newly-elected JOC President Hashimoto Seiko and Secretary General Ota Yuki, learned more about the JOC’s Vision 2064, and discussed how table tennis can contribute through development programmes and additional international events in Japan. The exchanges underlined Japan’s role as a future World Championships host and opened further avenues for collaboration with the JOC and Japanese stakeholders.

From left: Yuki Ota, Morinari Watanabe, Petra Sörling, Seiko Hashimoto

President Sörling also met fellow International Federation presidents and IOC members Morinari Watanabe and Lord Sebastian Coe. At Lord Coe’s invitation she attended the World Athletics Championships 2025, commending the quality of the event and its organisers and noting useful insights for major-event operations and legacy in table tennis.

The next stop was Seoul, where President Sörling and ITTF Secretary General Raul Calin attended the 22nd International Paralympic Committee General Assembly and Conference from 24 to 27 September. The gathering brought together nearly 400 representatives from around 190 IPC member organisations, along with several IPC-recognised international federations including the ITTF.

President Sörling met Korean Sport and Olympic Committee President Ryu Seungmin and Korea Table Tennis Association President Lee Tae Sung. Discussions focused on the legacy of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 and preparations for the ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026.

“We all have vivid memories of our time in Busan last year, and the work of Korea Table Tennis has kept the momentum for our sport in the country,” said President Sörling. “We can already see this in the strong interest for Gangneung, with registrations reaching 20 percent of expected participation in just two months.”

President Sörling will next visit China to attend the WTT China Smash.

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[Tristan Lavier]

The International Table Tennis Federation warmly congratulates Andrew Parsons on his re-election as President of the International Paralympic Committee for a third term.

ITTF also welcomes Leila Marques Mota as First Vice-President and John Petersson as Second Vice-President.

ITTF President Petra Sörling and Secretary General Raul Calin attended the IPC General Assembly and Conference in Seoul, joining the Paralympic community in marking this important moment.

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