The Czechia table tennis teams are gearing up for the 2023 STUPA European Table Tennis Championships in Malmö. The men’s and women’s teams are both poised for success with their eyes set on advancing far in the tournament. The Czechia men’s team comprises players Lubomír JANČAŘÍK Tomáš POLANSKÝ Pavel ŠIRUČEK and Jiří MARTINKO. Two years ago in Cluj the team secured a fifth place finish after a challenging quarterfinal loss to Germany with a scoreline of 1:3. In Malmö the Czechia men’s team will commence their campaign in the group stage where they will face tough opponents in Sweden and Italy. Coach Josef PLACHÝ expressed his ambitions stating “Our goal is of course to advance to the top sixteen. The Swedes are clear favorites in the group but we should vigorously contend for the second spot with Italy. We are bringing our best players to the tournament and I firmly believe our goal is achievable. Two years ago we made it to the top eight without Pavel ŠIRUČEK. There’s no reason we can’t set similar ambitions this year. Pavel ŠIRUČEK the national singles champion will undoubtedly elevate the team’s overall performance.” The Czechia women’s team is represented by a formidable lineup featuring Hana MATELOVÁ Kateřina TOMANOVSKÁ Zdena BLAŠKOVÁ and Helena SOMMEROVÁ. Coach Renáta ŠTRBÍKÓVÁ highlighted their initial goal stating “Our first objective is to advance beyond the group stage.” Their opening matches are against Slovakia and the Netherlands with a potential twist depending on the participation of the experienced Dutch player Britt EERLAND. “Britt EERLAND is an excellent player who could significantly elevate the entire Dutch team. However our match against Slovakia holds great intrigue as well. They are not just opponents; they are our friends. For instance Hana MATELOVÁ and Barbora BALÁŽOVA have been playing doubles together for several years. But once we step behind the table we become rivals like any other and our aim is to secure victory. Mentally it will be a challenging contest.” One significant psychological advantage for the Czechia team is their previous success in Stage 1 where they outperformed Portugal. “This achievement holds great importance for us ” emphasized Renáta ŠTRBÍKÓVÁ. “Each player secured a singles win against Portugal demonstrating that even the favorites can be defeated. Additionally the championship schedule aligns favorably for us. On the first day Slovakia and the Netherlands will face each other allowing us to assess their form and devise a winning strategy.”
ETTU Enhances Pre-Congress Preparations with Inaugural Financial and Proposition Webinars
The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has taken a significant step forward in its preparations for the forthcoming ETTU Congress by organizing its first-ever webinars dedicated to finances and propositions. As part of the lead-up to the highly anticipated ETTU Congress scheduled to convene on September 13th during the European Championships in Malmö these webinars served as a proactive initiative to delve deeper into crucial matters. One of the webinars titled “Propositions Webinar” aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the proposed changes and their underlying rationales. It is important to note that this endeavor does not curtail the opportunity for meaningful discussions during the Congress itself. Instead it aims to enhance the Congress by allocating dedicated time to address these pertinent subjects fostering a more streamlined and effective discourse. ETTU Acting President Pedro MOURA emphasized the significance of these webinars in facilitating a more comprehensive dialogue. “We remain fully committed to engaging in discussions during the Congress ” noted MOURA. “The purpose of these webinars is to enrich our deliberations and ensure an even more productive and impactful Congress.” During the webinars participants had the privilege of hearing opening remarks from Acting President Pedro MOURA followed by a presentation by Secretary General Pierre KASS who delved into the intricacies of the Constitution Propositions. Additionally ETTU Acting Deputy President Heike AHLERT took center stage to address the vital topic of ETTU Regulation Propositions. During a separate webinar ETTU’s Vice President for Finances Sandra DEATON provided a presentation on the financial statement of 2022 the financial status of 2023 and the budget for 2024. These groundbreaking webinars represent ETTU’s unwavering dedication to fostering an environment of transparency collaboration and progress within the table tennis community. For those interested in revisiting the second webinar or delving into the details the recording can be accessed through the YouTube link. All relevant documents you can see here
Fatherhood Fuels JORGIC’s Confidence Ahead of European Championships
In 2017 Slovenia secured their first-ever medal at the European Team Championships by defeating Sweden in the quarter-finals of the men’s event in Luxembourg. Now led by the top-ranked European player Darko JORGIC they are embarking on the same quest at the 2023 STUPA European Championships in Malmö scheduled from the 10th to the 17th of September. Darko who became a father to a baby boy in July decided to take a break after an exhausting season following his quarterfinals appearance in the Singles event at the European Games just before his son’s birth. “It was a very long season packed with numerous matches both for the Slovenian team and my club. I was mentally and physically drained. After the European Games I took a break and refrained from playing or even training. After so many matches my mind was cluttered and I needed to rekindle my motivation to return to the game. I decided to pause after my defeat against Marcos FREITAS in the quarterfinals. It was one of his fantastic performances this year. He went on to win a medal in Krakow. My goal was to achieve a higher position but stopping Marcos at that point was challenging ” explained JORGIC. The break was taken up by Darko’s new family member. “Following Poland my coach Andrea and I agreed to have a complete break not even thinking about table tennis. This hiatus lasted until August 1st when we began preparations for the Europeans. We spent five days training with the Croatian team. It’s fantastic that we had the opportunity to collaborate.” Darko is content with his current form looking ahead to the upcoming tournament in Kazakhstan. “I feel good after the break. My body is rejuvenated and my motivation is high. I planned to peak in late August just in time for Malmö.” Slovenia is grouped with Denmark and Türkiye. “The competition is fierce; there are no easy groups. We all remember our defeat against Denmark in the first European Games when Bojan TOKIC was still on the team. That painful loss remains in our memory but we now understand better how to play against them. Türkiye is a potentially dangerous opponent as they have nothing to lose and will play freely against both Denmark and us.” Regarding the team’s performance JORGIC stated that a lot will hinge on the current form of Deni KOZUL and himself. Aljaz GODEC and Peter HRIBAR are also part of the team making Slovenia one of the youngest teams in Sweden. “The responsibility is significant but I am pleased that the younger players have performed well during training. They are highly motivated to present themselves in the best possible light and seize their opportunities. At some point I was pleasantly surprised.” Speaking about his new role as a parent Darko shared “Becoming a parent has given me an extra incentive to excel in competitions. Fortunately my spouse is also from the table tennis world so she understands the demands of being a player and the extensive training required. Nonetheless I always look forward to returning home spending time with the baby and giving my wife a chance to take a break. So far I have managed well when we are alone; I truly cherish every moment spent with the baby ” said JORGIC.
STUPA announced as title partner of the 2023 European Championships
The Indian based company Stupa Sports Analytics becomes official Title Partner of the 2023 European Table Tennis Championships which is to be held in Malmö Sweden between the 10th and 17th of September 2023. The partnership will gain considerable exposure for the European market and in extension the world market to further raise awareness of the advantages of modern technology within the sports analytics branch both to the individual player and the governing table tennis organizations. The Swedish Table Tennis Association (STTA) is delighted to announce that their existing partnership with Stupa Sports Analytics a pioneering sports technology company based in India now grows to another level as they will hold the exclusive Title Sponsorship for the highly anticipated 2023 European Table Tennis Championships. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place from September 10th to 17th in the vibrant city of Malmö Sweden. This collaboration marks a historic moment for both the world of sports analytics and the future of table tennis on a global scale. “We extend a very warm welcome to Stupa Sports Analytics as the Title Partner of the 2023 European Table Tennis Championships ” said Dennis LINDAHL President of the Swedish Table Tennis Association. “We are very excited for the opportunity to develop our existing partnership to another level and really intensify our cooperation for future endeavors. For the STTA all things regarding digitalization and modernization of our sport are in focus within our established strategy and Stupa Sports Analytics is in our eyes a very interesting company with high competence in this regard. We’re also very happy that they have chosen Sweden as one of their main foundations as they now seek further expansion through Europe and North America. Together we are embarking on an exciting journey that will undoubtedly shape the future of table tennis.” “We are thrilled to further solidify our enduring association with Sweden through our pivotal role as the Title Partner of the 2023 European Table Tennis Championships. Swedish Table Tennis Association has been a pioneering partner in our mission to bring digitization and data-driven insights to the world of sports. This event marks a significant milestone elevating our collaboration to new heights. As one of the leading federations with a strong belief in the power of technology Sweden TTA’s choice to partner with Stupa is both an honor and a testament to our shared vision. We are committed to making this partnership a beacon for innovation in sports and we eagerly look forward to continuing our journey as Sweden’s long-term partner in redefining the table tennis experience globally ” stated Ms. Megha GAMBHIR CEO and co-founder of Stupa Sports Analytics. The 2023 European Table Tennis Championships will not only showcase thrilling matches but also serve as a platform for Stupa Sports Analytics to demonstrate its innovative technologies in a real-world sporting context for example engaging fan experiences through AI services and insightful data visualizations.
ETTU unveils the Implementation Plan for its Strategic Plan 2023-2028
https://www.ettu.org ETTU proudly unveils the Implementation Plan for its Strategic Plan 2023-2028. Crafted to steer the organization towards its goals this document aligns strategies with actions KPIs and timeframes to ensure success. Discussions with ETTU Member Associations have enabled to make necessary adjustments that maintain the plan’s relevance in a table tennis world that is always changing. We have also established distinct timeframes for achieving goals in the short mid and long terms which further strengthens the overall structure. Sustainability and long-term growth stand as vital pillars within the ETTU’s Implementation Plan. Transparency and working together are evident as ETTU commits to giving yearly impact reports to Member Associations. It will be subject to periodic review and adaptation to ensure its alignment with the table tennis landscape and community needs. Link to the document
Andorra Hosts Youth Training Camp as Part of ETTU National Association Assistance Program
Andorra a picturesque European nation known for its stunning landscapes hosts Training Camp from August 14th to 19th. Organized as part of the ETTU National Association Assistance Program (NAAP) this project activity is the second of its kind with the inaugural event taking place in 2019. The upcoming training camp aims to provide a unique platform for nurturing young table tennis talents. The ETTU National Association Assistance Program is designed to support and enhance the development of table tennis at the grassroots level across Europe. The Youth Training Camp in Andorra aligns perfectly with this mission offering young players the opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience under the guidance of a experienced technical team. The esteemed technical team includes: Eduard MAYOROV (Coach) Svetlana BAKHTINA (Coach) Rodrigo TAPIA (Sparring) and Gerard MÀDICO (Sparring).
ETTU Backs London Bid for the ITTF Centenary 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships
Table Tennis England is eagerly vying to host the illustrious World Team Table Tennis Championships in London in 2026. With a commitment to delivering an unforgettable championship experience for the global table tennis community the bid also intends to commemorate the ITTF Centenary in the very city where international table tennis had its genesis and where the inaugural World Championships unfolded. Supporting this bid the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) stands alongside Table Tennis England and adds its weight to the endeavor. The collective goal is not only to secure a momentous event but also to contribute to a legacy that echoes the rich history of the sport. “ETTU strongly supports England TT and the city of London in their bid to host the 2026 World Table Tennis Championships. This presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of ITTF at the birthplace of our extraordinary sport. We all have vivid memories of the remarkable 2012 Olympic Games in London especially the incredible atmosphere lived during the table tennis tournament. This experience gives us confidence that if London is chosen we will have the best World Championships our sport could ever aspire to. It’s a moment that the international table tennis community cannot afford to miss. I sincerely urge our international community not to let this opportunity slip away and to enthusiastically endorse England TT’s bid to host the 2026 World Table Tennis Championships ” stated ETTU Acting President Pedro MOURA. To ensure the triumph of this bid Table Tennis England is calling upon the international table tennis community for backing. The pivotal juncture will be the ITTF Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Thailand on August 24. On August 23 2023 during the AGM the bids for the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships will be presented. Starting from 22:00 local time (17:00 CET) on August 23 the voting platform managed by LUMI will be accessible for a duration of 12 hours. This period will conclude with the commencement of the AGM at 10:00 local time (05:00 CET) on August 24 2023. Throughout the AGM the pre-voting platform will be temporarily suspended and will be reopened exclusively for “live” voting at the designated point in the agenda. Further instructions on casting votes will be provided by ITTF in due course. By rallying behind this bid the international table tennis community has a chance to play an instrumental role in a remarkable chapter set for 2026. Table Tennis England is earnestly urging all Member Associations to guarantee their representatives’ eligibility to vote at the ITTF AGM. The prospect of London hosting the global table tennis community in the very city that saw the sport’s inception is profoundly exciting. The bid’s triumph would undoubtedly etch a historic moment into the annals of table tennis history. Moreover Table Tennis England extends a warm invitation to attend the London 2026 Reception. This gathering is scheduled for August 22 at 19:30 local time and will take place at the Summit Hotel The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel. Delegates can obtain directions to the venue room at the reception. The event provides a unique opportunity to personally engage with the passion and dynamism driving the London 2026 bid. The International table tennis community’s resolute endorsement is crucial to materialize London’s aspiration to host the ITTF Centenary 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships. The future of this championship rests in the hands of those participating in the ITTF AGM making it an epochal moment for the sport.
5th edition of the Pingpongowy PGE Narodow awaits more than 1000 contestants
This Saturday at PGE Narodowy (the main stadium in Poland) the most anticipated event for all table tennis enthusiasts will take place. A total of 100 tables will be set up on the stadium field providing a venue for over 1000 contestants to compete in the tournament. This event stands as the largest one-day tournament on a global scale! Moreover a plethora of attractions will be available throughout the day for everyone’s enjoyment. These include free table tennis lessons conducted by coaches various sports games and activities consultations with sports psychologists and nutritionists an exhibition tournament featuring the finest Polish teams opportunities to meet national team players coaches and international umpires who will share insights about their work and much more. This year marks the 5th edition of the Pingpongowy PGE Narodowy event. Last year over 10 000 people gathered at the main Polish stadium to celebrate the table tennis festival. We hope that this year’s event will be even more spectacular.
World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships and Table Tennis for Health Initiatives
The ITTF Foundation announced details about the highly anticipated World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships set to take place in Crete (Greece) from November 1st to 5th. For further information and to get involved in these initiatives visit the official event website. In tandem with this event we extend a heartfelt invitation on behalf of the ITTF Foundation to explore the potential of organizing “Table Tennis for Health” activities focusing on individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond catering to the elderly population table tennis holds remarkable promise for those grappling with conditions such as Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s multiple sclerosis and dementia. Benefits of Engaging in Table Tennis for People with Parkinson’s Disease: Enhanced Physical and Cognitive Function: Regular table tennis participation can significantly improve balance hand-eye coordination focus memory and a sense of rhythmic tranquility. Holistic Well-being: Engaging in table tennis fosters physical movement cognitive relaxation and social interaction offering a comprehensive approach to well-being. Immediate and Long-Term Gains: Even a brief 15-20 minute session of table tennis can yield noticeable improvements including reduced stiffness shortened “off” periods prolonged “on” periods and decreased frustration. Sustained Positive Impact: The positive effects of a single session can extend for several days underscoring the enduring benefits of regular participation. We encourage you to explore the myriad possibilities that table tennis presents in enhancing the lives of individuals affected by neurodegenerative conditions. By embracing initiatives such as the World Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships and “Table Tennis for Health” activities we can collectively contribute to improving the quality of life for many.
Media accreditation for the ITTF European Para Championships in Sheffield
Media accreditation for the ITTF European Para Table Tennis Championships in Sheffield scheduled for September 4th to 9th 2023 is currently open. Journalists photographers or broadcasters interested in attending the Championships should send an email to MediaEPTTC2023@gmail.com to request an accreditation form. All applications should be submitted by 17:00 (BST) on Wednesday 30 August 2023. It may not be possible to fulfil any applications received after this time. Please note any applications from journalists outside of the UK will need to include passport details and be accompanied by a scanned copy of your passport for a visa support letter to be issued. Given that journalists from outside of the UK may need to apply for a visa you are advised to make your application as soon as possible. Applicants will only be accredited for one category (journalist photographer or broadcaster) so should state your preference in the application. Non rights-holder broadcasters will be given access to interview players after they have competed but will not be permitted to film any sport or the field of play. If you require further information or have questions about the application process contact the media registration team at MediaEPTTC2023@gmail.com or the EPTTC’s Head of Media & Communications lee.murgatroyd@pointcommunications.co.
