ITTF President Fosters Strategic Partnerships in Japan and Korea to Enhance Table Tennis Development and Engagement

September 28, 2025

Tokyo and Seoul – International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Petra Sörling recently concluded a series of high-level meetings in Japan and South Korea, aimed at strengthening the sport’s presence and charting a course for future international events. The visits underscored a mutual commitment to the growth of table tennis and reinforced existing collaborations with key stakeholders.

Strengthening Ties in Japan

President Sörling’s engagements began in Tokyo, where she convened with leadership from the Japan Table Tennis Association (JTTA), including President Masaya Kawata, Vice President Ichiro Hoshino, and ITTF Executive Vice President Masahiro Maehara. Discussions focused on athlete welfare initiatives and the logistical preparations for the ITTF World team Table Tennis Championships Finals 2028,slated to be held in Fukuoka. The JTTA has already initiated preparatory work for the event.

A key aspect of the visit involved a meeting with Seiko Hashimoto, the newly-elected President of the Japanese Olympic Commitee, and Secretary General Yuki Ota. The conversation centered on how table tennis can contribute to the JOC’s Vision 2064, through expanded development programs and an increased number of international competitions hosted in Japan.

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

President Sörling also engaged with other International Federation presidents and IOC members, including Morinari Watanabe and Lord Sebastian Coe. At Lord Coe’s invitation, she attended the world Athletics championships 2025, gaining valuable insights into the organization of large-scale sporting events and their lasting impact.

Seoul Focus: Paralympic collaboration and Future Events

The tour continued in Seoul, where President Sörling and ITTF Secretary General Raul Calin participated in the 22nd International Paralympic Committee General Assembly and Conference. Nearly 400 representatives from approximately 190 IPC member organizations were in attendance, along with representatives from various IPC-recognized international federations, including the ITTF. This engagement underscored the ITTF’s commitment to inclusive sports development.

Meetings with Korean Sport and Olympic Committee President Ryu Seungmin and Korea Table Tennis association President Lee Tae Sung highlighted the success of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 and outlined plans for the ITTF World Masters Championships Gangneung 2026. registrations for the Gangneung event are already at 20 percent of anticipated participation levels, signaling strong interest in the competition.

Did You Know? Table tennis is one of the most popular participation sports in the world, with over 300 million players globally.

Looking Ahead

President Sörling is scheduled to continue her global outreach with a visit to China to attend the WTT China Smash. This series of visits demonstrates the ITTF’s dedication to fostering strong relationships with its member associations and advancing the sport worldwide. The ITTF plans to push for further initiatives to support grassroots development and enhance competitive opportunities for athletes at all levels.

Event	Location	Year
World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals	Fukuoka	2028
World Masters Championships	Gangneung	2026
World Athletics Championships	Tokyo	2025

The Growing Global Appeal of Table Tennis

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, has seen a surge in global popularity in recent years. This surge is driven by several factors,including its accessibility,affordability,and the increasing competitiveness of international tournaments. The sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games has also considerably boosted its profile, attracting new fans and participants. According to a Statista report,participation rates in table tennis are steadily rising across various demographics,highlighting its broad appeal.

Pro Tip: To improve your table tennis game, focus on consistent practice, developing your footwork, and mastering basic strokes.

Frequently Asked Questions About ITTF Events

• What is the ITTF? The International Table Tennis Federation is the governing body for the sport of table tennis worldwide.
• Where will the 2028 World team Table Tennis Championships be held? The championships will be held in Fukuoka, Japan.
• What is the purpose of the ITTF’s international visits? The visits aim to strengthen partnerships with member associations and promote the development of table tennis globally.
• How does the ITTF support athlete wellbeing? The ITTF implements programs and collaborates with organizations to ensure athletes have access to resources and support.
• What is the significance of the Paralympic Committee General Assembly for the ITTF? It represents a commitment to inclusive sports and collaboration with the Paralympic movement.
• What are the key goals of the ITTF’s Vision 2064? The vision focuses on creating strong governance and advancing table tennis development to ensure a successful future.
• What is the WTT China Smash? The WTT China Smash is a premier table tennis tournament, crucial for the progression of the ITTF’s calendar.

What are your thoughts on the ITTF’s strategic visits? How do you see table tennis evolving in the coming years?

How can the ITTF leverage Japan’s joint marketing initiatives to broaden the global appeal of table tennis events?

ITTF President Fosters Strategic Partnerships in Japan and Korea to enhance table Tennis Advancement and Engagement

Strengthening Table Tennis Across Asia: A Collaborative Approach

The International Table Tennis federation (ITTF) President, Petra Sörling, recently concluded a pivotal tour of Japan and Korea, solidifying strategic partnerships aimed at bolstering table tennis development and increasing global engagement with the sport. This initiative underscores the ITTF’s commitment to expanding its reach, notably within Asia – a region historically dominant in competitive table tennis. The focus extends beyond elite performance, encompassing grassroots programs, coach education, and innovative approaches to fan engagement.

key Partnership Objectives in Japan

Japan has long been a powerhouse in table tennis, consistently producing world-class athletes. Sörling’s visit centered on reinforcing existing collaborations and exploring new avenues for growth. Key discussion points included:

* Joint Marketing Initiatives: Leveraging Japan’s strong brand recognition to promote international table tennis events and attract wider viewership. This includes exploring digital marketing strategies and collaborations with japanese media outlets.

* High-performance Training Centers: Expanding access to world-class training facilities for athletes from other nations, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and expertise.

* Para Table Tennis Development: Strengthening support for para table tennis programs in Japan, building on the success of Japanese athletes in Paralympic competitions.This aligns with the ITTF’s broader inclusivity goals.

* Equipment Technology & Innovation: collaborating with Japanese table tennis equipment manufacturers to drive innovation in racket technology, ball materials, and playing surfaces.

Advancing Table Tennis in Korea: A Focus on Grassroots Growth

Korea, another table tennis stronghold, presented a different set of opportunities. Sörling’s meetings with Korean table tennis officials focused on:

* Expanding Grassroots Programs: Investing in initiatives to introduce table tennis to a wider audience, particularly among youth and schools. This includes providing equipment, training resources, and qualified instructors.

* Coach Education & Certification: Developing a thorough coach education program to enhance the quality of coaching across all levels of the sport. This will involve workshops, seminars, and online learning modules.

* Digital transformation of Table Tennis: Exploring the use of technology to enhance the fan experience, including live streaming of matches, interactive data analytics, and virtual reality training tools.

* Promoting Women in table Tennis: Implementing programs to encourage greater participation of women and girls in table tennis, both as players and coaches.

the Role of Technology in Table Tennis Engagement

A recurring theme throughout Sörling’s visits was the integration of technology to enhance both player development and fan engagement. specific areas of focus included:

* Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to track player performance, identify areas for improvement, and develop personalized training programs.

* Live Streaming & Virtual Reality: Expanding live streaming coverage of table tennis events and exploring the use of virtual reality to create immersive fan experiences.

* Artificial Intelligence (AI): Investigating the potential of AI to assist with coaching, refereeing, and match analysis.

* Digital Platforms: Developing user-kind digital platforms to provide access to table tennis news, scores, and training resources.

Benefits of Enhanced ITTF-Asia Partnerships

these strategic partnerships offer a multitude of benefits for the global table tennis community:

* Increased Participation: Expanded grassroots programs will introduce the sport to new audiences, fostering greater participation at all levels.

* Improved Player Development: Access to world-class training facilities and coaching expertise will accelerate player development.

* Enhanced Global Competitiveness: A stronger table tennis ecosystem in Asia will contribute to a more competitive global landscape.

* Greater Fan Engagement: Innovative marketing initiatives and digital technologies will attract wider viewership and increase fan engagement.

* Sustainable Growth: Long-term partnerships will ensure the sustainable growth of table tennis in Asia and beyond.

Case Study: The German Table Tennis Association’s Digital Initiative

while focused on Asia, the ITTF can draw inspiration from other successful digital initiatives. The German Table Tennis Association (DTTB) recently launched a comprehensive digital platform offering online coaching resources, live streaming of matches, and interactive fan forums. This initiative resulted in a meaningful increase in membership and online engagement, demonstrating the power of digital transformation. The ITTF is looking to adapt similar strategies for the Asian market.

Practical Tips for National Associations

National table tennis associations can leverage these developments by:

1. Prioritizing Coach Education: Invest in training programs to develop qualified coaches.
2. Embracing Digital Technologies: Utilize digital platforms to promote the sport and engage with fans.
3. Seeking International Collaboration: Partner with other national associations to share best practices and resources.
4. Focusing on Grassroots Development: implement programs to introduce table tennis to youth and schools.
5. Promoting Inclusivity: Create opportunities for participation for all, irrespective of