PHOTO by Henk HOMMES
The European table tennis family mourns the passing of Andre DAMMAN, a distinguished official and respected administrator whose influence spanned generations.
Born in 1931, DAMMAN devoted his life to table tennis, approaching every responsibility with seriousness, integrity and strong principles.
At European level, he was a member of the ETTU Classification Committee from 1976 and served as its Chair from 1988 to 1990. He then became Chair of the ETTU Ranking Committee, a position he held from 1990 to 2008, playing a central role in developing and safeguarding European ranking structures during a crucial period of growth and professionalisation.
In addition, DAMMAN was a member of the ETTU Management Committee from 1988 to 2000, contributing significantly to the strategic direction of European table tennis.
At world level, from 1983 he served as Chairman of the ITTF Ranking Committee and was a member of the ITTF Council, later also becoming a member of the ITTF President’s Council, where he continued to offer his expertise and guidance to the global table tennis community.
At world level, from 1983 he served as Chairman of the ITTF Ranking Committee and was a member of the ITTF Council, later also becoming a member of the ITTF President’s Council, where he continued to offer his expertise and guidance to the global table tennis community.
In his youth, DAMMAN was actively involved in the organisation of Belgian table tennis and competed as a player at the European Championships in 1960 and 1962. He was no mean player. Facing England on one occasion, he defeated Connie WARREN, who reached No.3 on the England men’s ranking in 1967, a notable achievement that underlined DAMMAN’s own competitive level.
At the 1983 World Championships in Tokyo, DAMMAN served as non-playing captain for Belgium, competing in Category Three. It was there that a 13-year-old Jean-Michel SAIVE was included in the team. DAMMAN selected the young talent for just one match, against El Salvador, while placing his confidence primarily in REMO de Prophetis, Thierry CABRERA and Didier LEROY. Time would prove that the decision to give SAIVE his opportunity, however limited at the time, marked the beginning of an extraordinary career.
Renowned for his intelligence, multilingual abilities and strong views on the responsibilities of match officials, DAMMAN was never afraid to speak his mind. He consistently defended fairness, clarity and integrity in competition management. His experience in organising and managing competitions was considerable, and his voice carried authority within both European and international circles.
Andre DAMMAN leaves behind a lasting legacy in European and world table tennis. His dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to the values of the sport will be remembered with profound respect. He was a mentor for more than one generation of talents in governance and administration, many of them still serving ETTU and ITTF.
On behalf of the European table tennis community, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
