The ITTF has launched applications for the Equipment Assistance Programme 2026, continuing its long-standing initiative to support member associations, particularly in developing regions. Since its introduction in 1999, the programme has delivered over 1,000 tables to 112 member associations worldwide, helping to address one of the key barriers to growth – access to quality equipment. In 2025, the programme supported 18 associations across Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, with additional deliveries ongoing. The initiative distributed 148 tables, 130 surrounds, 1,500 rackets and more than 20,000 balls, supporting grassroots development, school programmes, and national team activities. For 2026, all member associations are invited to apply. Applications will be assessed based on governance, development activity, and competition plans, with priority given to Category 3 and 4 associations. Selected associations will receive customised equipment packages tailored to their needs. The application deadline is 17 April 2026. As ITTF celebrates its centenary year, the programme remains a key tool in supporting the global growth of table tennis.
Plenty of Challengers Await Defending Champions at Finnish National Championships in Tampere
The Finnish National Individual Table Tennis Championships will take place on 21–22 March at the Vuores Sports Hall in Tampere, where national titles will be decided in five events: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. In the men’s singles, top seed Alex NAUMI of Kosken Kaiku returns as defending champion, aiming to secure his third senior national title. However, the road to the title will be far from straightforward. Among the leading challengers are Aleksi RÄSÄNEN (PT Espoo) and Lassi LEHTOLA (MBF Helsinki), both representing the new generation of Finnish talent. Notably, all three players currently train and compete in Sweden. Experience will also play a key role, with Otto TENNILÄ (PT 75) once again expected to be among the medal contenders. Known internationally as part of the Pongfinity trio under the nickname “Sensei,” Tennilä traditionally performs strongly on home soil. A notable absence from this year’s championships is Benedek OLÁH, who has dominated Finnish table tennis in recent years. OLÁH will instead be competing in Major League Table Tennis in the United States. “It is a pity that Benedek could not make it this year. My goal is to defend last year’s double title. Hopefully, we will see a great tournament with plenty of high-quality matches,” said NAUMI. In the women’s singles, Marina DONNER enters as the clear favourite, having claimed the national title for the past five consecutive years. The Åland-based player, representing MBF, missed the start of the season due to a shoulder injury but has been steadily regaining form ahead of the championships. Her title defence is expected to be challenged by Maria GIRLEA (PT Jyväskylä) and Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA (PT Espoo), while young talent Jaimielee ENRIQUEZ could also play a role. “It is great to be competing for the national title again. There are a few nerves already, but I am not putting unnecessary pressure on myself,” DONNER commented. The doubles events promise further excitement. The top-seeded pairs are Alex NAUMI / Aleksi RÄSÄNEN in the men’s doubles and Marina DONNER / Maria GIRLEA in the women’s doubles, while Lassi LEHTOLA / Maria GIRLEA lead the field in mixed doubles. Spectators will have free admission throughout the event. The finals, scheduled for Sunday at 15:00, will be streamed free of charge on ISTV and Ruutu+, with commentary provided by Mika Pyykkö and co-commentator Pasi Valasti. Text: Heikki KIISKINEN / FTTA Photos: Ildiko KADAR
Europe’s Rising Stars Gather in Izvorani for Eurotalents Development Camp II
The Eurotalents Development Camp II will take place from 13 to 19 May 2026 in Izvorani, Romania, bringing together some of Europe’s most promising young players as part of the ETTU Eurotalents Programme. Organised by the Romanian Table Tennis Federation in cooperation with ETTU, the camp will once again provide a high-performance environment aimed at supporting the development of Europe’s next generation of elite athletes. A strong group of selected players has already been confirmed. In the girls’ category, the camp will feature Adela BRHELOVA of Czechia, Lola URIA and Carmen GÓMEZ of Spain, Kamilla KADAR of Finland, Alyssia BATAILLE of France, Serena ROSSATI of Italy, Kaja TVOROGAL and Karina MILTO of Lithuania, Andreea PROHOROVICI of Moldova, Zoë SCHUTTE of the Netherlands, Lara MONTEIRO of Portugal, Bianca TOMA, Adriana IVAN, Teodora SARDENI of Romania, and Aybige Fedride USTUNDAG of Turkey. In the boys’ category, confirmed participants include Richard FEBER of Czechia, Dimitar DIMITROV of England, Luca ROMERO and Ladimir MAYOROV of Spain, Arthur XIAN XIAO and Hachim TISSAFI IDRISSI of France, Kirill MANALAKI and Junde ZANG of Germany, Theofanis MARKOULAKIS of Greece, Reah Krol SHAHAR of Israel, Giorgio BORGHESE and Pietro CAMPAGNA of Italy, Nicolae BUCUR of Moldova, Milan VUCETIC of Montenegro, Vladimir FILIMON ROMANESCU of Romania, and Filip AROSELL of Sweden. The camp will begin on 13 May with arrival and a meeting for coaches, followed by five days of intensive training (14–18 May), before concluding with departures on 19 May. Training sessions will be led by an experienced coaching team headed by ETTU-appointed Head Coach Zvonimir KORENIC, alongside Bogdan ALBESCU, Gyorgy ISTVAN, and physical coach Andrei GHERASE, ensuring a comprehensive programme covering technical, tactical and physical preparation. The event will be hosted at the Romanian Olympic Centre “Sydney 2000” in Izvorani, a fully equipped high-performance venue near Bucharest, offering top-level training facilities as well as accommodation, dining, and recovery services in one location. The camp is open to the selected players listed above, while Member Associations may request wild cards for additional participants until 17 April 2026. Requests should be submitted via email to projects@ettu.org within the deadline. Associations are also reminded of the key administrative deadlines, with entries to be submitted by 17 April 2026 and cancellations possible until 27 April 2026.
With 90 Players and Live Public TV Coverage, Greek National Championships Set for Piraeus
Following the official draws held on Tuesday, 17 March, preparations are complete for the 2025-2026 Greek National Championships, the premier domestic event organised by the Hellenic Table Tennis Federation (HTTF). The tournament will take place from 20 to 22 March at the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF) in Piraeus. A total of 90 athletes representing 39 clubs from across Greece will compete. The entries include 59 players in the men’s singles, 31 in the women’s singles, 27 pairs in men’s doubles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 29 pairs in mixed doubles. As always, the championships will feature a strong field of established stars and experienced titleholders. Six players who have previously won at least one national singles title are set to compete once again. In the men’s singles, four-time consecutive champion Yiannis SGOUROPOULOS returns as the leading name, alongside two-time champion Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS and former winners Giorgos STAMATOUROS and Tasos RINIOTIS. In the women’s singles, five-time champion Katerina TOLIOU will defend her title, while Ioanna GERASIMATOU, the 2023 national champion, is also among the top contenders. Several other notable players will also be in action, including finalists and doubles title winners such as Giorgos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, Elisavet TERPOU, and Dimitra-Thomais TSECOURA. Two former national champions will compete exclusively in doubles events. Yiannis VLOTINOS, the record holder with 14 national singles titles, and Filareti EXARCHOU, women’s singles champion in 2012, will feature in the doubles competitions, also joining forces in mixed doubles. One notable absence is Konstantina PARIDI, but for a joyful reason. The two-time national champion and last year’s finalist recently became a mother, welcoming a baby girl in Rethymno, Crete. The competition format includes a group stage followed by knockout rounds. In the men’s singles, players are divided into 12 groups, while the women’s singles features 6 groups, with top seeds entering directly into later stages. Matches up to the round of 16 are played in a best-of-five format, while from the quarterfinals onwards, matches are decided in best-of-seven. All doubles events follow a single-elimination system from the start. Adding further prestige to the event, the final day of the championships will be broadcast live by ERT, the Greek public broadcaster. Coverage will take place on Sunday, 22 March, via ERTFLIX, the free digital platform accessible both in Greece and internationally. With a strong lineup, competitive depth, and national television coverage, the 2026 Greek National Championships promise an exciting showcase of Greek table tennis at its highest level.
