The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has officially launched the election process for the 2025 Athletes’ Commission, inviting eligible players across Europe to step forward as candidates or prepare to cast their votes later this year. The election will coincide with two major events on the continental calendar: the 2025 European Table Tennis Championships and the 2025 European Para Table Tennis Championships. The Athletes’ Commission will be composed of five members: four elected by athletes participating in the European Championships and one by para athletes during the Para Championships. Acknowledging the structural changes in recent editions of the European Championships, ETTU has introduced a revised voting procedure to ensure broader athlete representation and accessibility. The new system enables athletes at all competitive stages to participate: To run as a candidate, athletes must meet the following conditions: Candidates must submit a signed nomination form along with a recent photo by Wednesday, 6 August 2025 (midnight CET) to registration@ettu.org and projects@ettu.org. Following a review by the ETTU Executive Board, eligible candidates will be officially announced and allowed to begin their campaign via press, interviews, and social media. ETTU will maintain strict neutrality throughout the campaign, promoting all candidates equally. Election Outcome and Commission Structure Once elected, the Commission will comprise: The top-ranked male and female athletes The next two athletes with the highest votes (gender-neutral) One para table tennis athlete with the most votes in Helsingborg To ensure diversity, only one athlete per country may serve on the Commission (except for the Para TT representative). The new Commission will propose a Chair to the ETTU Executive Board. The elected Chair will serve as a full voting member of the Executive Board, ensuring that athletes’ voices are heard at the highest level of governance. ETTU Deputy Secretary General Galia DVORAK emphasized the importance of athlete engagement in the process: “We encourage all Member Associations and athletes to participate actively in this important process to ensure that the voice of the athletes is well represented within the ETTU.” You can consult the election guide
Empowering Women in Umpiring: Breaking Barriers and Finding Balance
On June 8th, 2025, female match officials and women interested in table tennis officiating gathered for a truly inspiring event — a women-only webinar dedicated to their experiences, challenges, and successes in the world of umpiring. In just 60 minutes, participants heard powerful, honest, and deeply personal stories from women across Europe. The session opened with remarks from Galia DVORAK, ETTU Deputy General Secretary, who acknowledged both the progress made and the continued efforts needed to achieve gender equality in our sport. From there, the webinar unfolded into a journey — not just one story, but many. Celeste ARAÚJO, a Gold Badge Umpire from Portugal, shared her unique path. Though not a former player, her children’s involvement in table tennis sparked her curiosity. Sitting on the sidelines wasn’t enough — she wanted to contribute. What began as interest became passion, eventually leading to a dream fulfilled: officiating at the Olympic Games. As a mother, grandmother, and businesswoman, Celeste balances her personal and professional life — with table tennis deeply interwoven into both. Jovana MILJKOVIĆ VLAŠKI from Serbia, now a Blue Badge Umpire, began her umpiring journey at 18. A former player, she transitioned to officiating while managing her academic career. Today, she is a PhD student in Geosciences and works as a tourist guide. Jovana enjoys traveling to events, connecting with fellow umpires, and embracing diverse cultures. Also from Serbia, Nina VICO KATANIĆ is progressing toward becoming a Blue Badge Umpire. A mother, wife, PhD medical student, and anesthesiology resident, she still finds time — and strength — to pursue her passion for umpiring. From Sweden, Emily KNUTSSON, the youngest speaker, shared her story of determination and joy. Her dream was to become an international umpire — and she made it a reality. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and many participants saw themselves in her story and the photos she shared from tournaments. Also from Sweden, Emma PERSSON of the Gender Equality Committee introduced the Women in Table Tennis project — a thoughtful and proactive initiative aimed at increasing female participation in the sport, both as players and officials. Her insights sparked ideas on how similar efforts could be launched in other countries. What made this webinar truly special was the diversity of journeys. Some speakers entered table tennis as players, others — like Celeste — through their children. Some serve in local or national committees, others at the European level. Each brought her own unique story, all proving that there is no single path to making a meaningful impact. This was a session full of inspiration, honesty, and resilience — a powerful reminder of what is possible when women support one another and are given space to lead.
Anton HAMRAN Remains at the Helm of the Slovak Table Tennis Association
At the general meeting of the Slovak Table Tennis Association (SSTZ), held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, a new leadership team was elected for the next four-year term. The event also marked the launch of a commemorative book celebrating the centenary of table tennis in Slovakia, and distinguished individuals were honored for their contributions. The election process proceeded smoothly, with 48 out of 53 invited voting delegates in attendance. Anton HAMRAN, who first assumed the presidency in 2021, was re-elected to lead the association for another term. “On behalf of myself and my newly elected colleagues, I thank you for your trust. I believe that all the goals we’ve set for the upcoming years will be successfully achieved, and I wish everyone good health along the way,” said HAMRAN following his re-election. The newly confirmed Executive Committee members are: The second part of the general meeting took on a festive character, celebrating 100 years of organized table tennis in Slovakia. A special highlight was the premiere of a documentary film by Stanislav ŠTEFÁNIK titled 100 Years with the White Ball. The 20-minute film featured rare archival footage and paid tribute to iconic figures such as five-time world champion František TOKÁR and Alica CHLADEKOVÁ-GROFOVÁ, the most recent Slovak woman to reach a World Championships singles final. The film elegantly bridged the sport’s rich past with its present, spotlighting key achievements and personalities from both the Czechoslovak era and the modern Slovak republic. It was dedicated to all those who have helped uphold and advance the legacy of table tennis in Slovakia over the past century.
Opening Ceremony at Novi Sad Fair Marks the Start of the European Veterans Championships
The 2025 European Veterans Table Tennis Championships officially began today with a festive Opening Ceremony held at the Novi Sad Fair (Novosadski Sajam). Organized by the Serbian Table Tennis Association under the authority of the European Table Tennis Union, the prestigious event will take place from Monday, June 16 to Saturday, June 21. The opening marked the official launch of one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in Novi Sad, bringing together more than 2,500 players from 44 countries, competing across 11 age categories ranging from 40 to 90+ years. With thousands of visitors expected, the city is poised to become the epicenter of European veteran table tennis for the week ahead. In the Women’s Singles Over 40 Event, the defending champion Marina DONNER of Finland tops the seeding list, followed by last year’s runner-up Emilia KIJOK of Poland and Sweden’s Sofia WESTHOLM. In the Over 45 category, Olga CHRAMKO of Portugal is the top seed, with Germany’s Nikola JACKEL seeded second. The Over 50 category features Larisa LAVRUKHINA (AIN), Tumay EKREM of England, and Krisztina SPENGLER of Hungary as the leading names. Sweden’s Lena JOHNSSON is the top seed in the Over 55 category, while Galyna YENENKO of Ukraine leads the Over 60. Croatian legend Branka BATINIC is the top seed in the Over 65 event. In the youngest men’s category, Men’s Singles Over 40, the top seed is Grigory VLASOV (AIN), followed by Dauud CHEAIB of Germany and Stefano TOMASI of Italy. Last year’s winner in this category, Lucian FILIMON of Romania, has moved into the Over 45 group, where he holds the top seed. Croatian veteran Dragutin ŠURBEK competes in Group 6. In the Over 50 category, Maxim SHMYREV (AIN) leads the seedings, with Serbian legend Aleksandar KARAKAŠEVIĆ close behind as the second seed. Denmark’s Henrik VENDELBO tops Group 1 in the Over 55 category, while defending champion Thierry MILLER of Switzerland leads Group 3. This year’s edition marks a major milestone for Serbia, which is hosting the European Veterans Championships for the first time. However, Novi Sad is no stranger to major table tennis events. The city has previously hosted the European Championships in 1974, the European Youth Championships in 1988 and 2003, the World Championships in 1981, and the entire 2021 Women’s Europe Cup season during the COVID-19 pandemic. Novi Sad is now ready to write another memorable chapter in European table tennis history as it welcomes some of the sport’s most seasoned and celebrated players. You can see the pictures on FLICKR
Novi Sad Awaits First Guests Ahead of European Veterans Championships
PHOTO: Studio VUJIČIN Novi Sad is preparing to welcome the first guests for the European Veterans Table Tennis Championships, which will be held from June 15 to 21, 2025, at the Novi Sad Fair. The upcoming tournament is set to be one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in Novi Sad. More than 5,000 visitors are expected, including 2,593 players from 44 countries, competing in 11 age categories, from the youngest group (40–45 years) to the oldest (90+). City Council Member for Sports and Youth, Tatjana MEDVED, attended the press conference ahead of the Championships, joined by members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC). “The European Veterans Table Tennis Championships is the largest event of its kind in Europe, and beyond its sporting importance, it brings significant tourism potential to our city,” said MEDVED. “Novi Sad is becoming the epicenter of table tennis and veterans’ promotion, and we are fully prepared to host the opening ceremony on Sunday at 5:00 PM at the Master Center of the Novi Sad Fair, where 200 participants will perform a rich cultural and artistic program. Once again, Novi Sad has demonstrated the importance it places on sport for all. This year, the city has also become an official candidate for the title of ‘European City of Sport 2026’, and I firmly believe we will win it.” The press conference was also attended by Championship Director Marko JEVTOVIĆ, Championship Manager Dan FRACILE, and Stanislava STANIĆ Dimanić, a former national senior champion. “Accreditations begin on Saturday, and the official opening ceremony will take place on Sunday, featuring some pleasant surprises in the program. The first two days are reserved for the group stage, while Wednesday will traditionally be a rest day. The main draw, along with the consolation competition, will begin on Thursday,” said Dan FRACILE. The Championships will take place in the Master Hall and Hall 1, covering nearly 10,000 square meters, with 150 tables, including warm-up areas in additional halls (2, 3, and 6). During the event, visitors will also have access to catering and entertainment zones located both indoors and in the courtyard of the Novi Sad Fair, spanning over 20,000 square meters. The official ambassador of the Championships is Slobodan GRUJIĆ, a native of Novi Sad and one of the most decorated table tennis players in Serbian history.
ttc berlin eastside Crowned Champions League Women’s Winners for Sixth Time
Photo by: Let’s go Metz/N. MARTINO Germany’s ttc berlin eastside clinched the Champions League Women title for the sixth time in club history. After their 2021 triumph, they returned to the top despite a narrow defeat in the return leg of the final. French side METZ TT, who finished as runners-up in 2023, repeated that success this season. Following a dominant 3-1 victory in the opening leg in Berlin, ttc berlin eastside secured the overall victory after winning two of the first three matches in the return leg in Metz. Mariia TAILAKOVA gave the hosts early hope with a straight-games win over Sabina ŠURJAN, but Xiaona SHAN responded with a commanding 3-0 win over Adina DIACONU to restore Berlin’s lead. In a thrilling five-game encounter, Mia GRIESEL edged out Charlotte LUTZ 6-4 in the decisive game to seal the title for the German side. Although TAILAKOVA later leveled the score with a walkover win against SHAN, and Sarah DE NUTTE defeated Josephina NEUMANN by a single point in the final game, the aggregate victory was already out of reach for the French team. Second Leg Result: METZ TT – ttc berlin eastside 3-2 Opening Leg Result: ttc berlin eastside – METZ TT 3-1
Timo BOLL Becomes Ambassador for German Table Tennis
Even after the end of his active career, Timo BOLL remains closely connected to table tennis in Germany. The former world number one, 174-time national team player, and record European champion will now officially serve as an ambassador for German table tennis. Together with his long-time partners Borussia Düsseldorf and ARAG SE, Boll will work to further develop and raise public awareness of the sport in Germany. On Wednesday, the partnership between BOLL, the German Table Tennis Association (DTTB), ARAG, and Borussia Düsseldorf was officially announced at a media event held at the German Table Tennis Center. As one of Germany’s most successful and respected athletes and a defining figure in international table tennis, Timo BOLL brings decades of experience, authenticity, and influence. In his new role, he will contribute to increasing the sport’s popularity and help promote table tennis as a sport grounded in fair play and suitable for all ages throughout life. Dr. Wolfgang DÖRNER, Chairman of the DTTB Executive Board, emphasized: “Timo BOLL is much more than an outstanding athlete. He stands for fairness, integrity, and open access to sport for all. These are also the values that guide us as a federation. We are very pleased that he will continue to contribute his experience and personality in this new role.” For three decades, Timo BOLL represented German table tennis at the highest level – not only as a successful national team player but also as a team leader, fan favorite at major events, and a respected voice in both domestic and international circles. His new role is seen as a continuation and evolution of this deep-rooted connection. “Table tennis has given me so much throughout my life — now is the right time for me to give something back,” said BOLL. “I want to help make our sport more visible, especially for children, young people, and for those who may not yet have had access to it.”
Iceland Seeks New National Team Head Coach to Lead Development and Growth
The Icelandic Table Tennis Association (Borðtennissamband Íslands) is inviting applications for the position of Senior National Team Head Coach, with an optional broader role as National Head of Development overseeing both senior and youth programs. “This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a growing table tennis nation with strong potential. The selected candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of Icelandic table tennis, helping elite players progress on the international stage while supporting the next generation through structured training systems, camps, and competitions both domestically and abroad.” Key Qualifications: Role Details: Start date: August or September 2025 Position: Half-time to full-time, depending on the candidate’s availability Location: Iceland (with opportunities to travel for international events) Application Deadline: June 20th, 2025 Please send your motivation letter and CV to: bordtennis@bordtennis.is
KAUFMANN and STUMPER Crowned New German Singles Champions
The 2025 German singles champions are Annett KAUFMANN and Kay STUMPER. While KAUFMANN successfully defended her title from last year, STUMPER claimed his first national singles crown. The 18-year-old KAUFMANN defeated Sabine WINTER in the final, earning a measure of revenge after losing to her in the 2023 final. STUMPER prevailed in a thrilling seven-game battle against Fanbo MENG. In both the 2023 German Nationals final and a Bundesliga clash earlier this season, WINTER had emerged victorious. But in Erfurt, it was KAUFMANN who had the final word, claiming her second national singles title. “It was my goal, but I knew it would be very difficult. It could just as easily have gone Sabine’s way,” said KAUFMANN. “After my defeat in the final in 2023, this is my little revenge. This title means a lot to me—just to prove to myself that even when Sabine is there, someone who has knocked me out many times, I can still win, both through my game and my mental strength.” WINTER started strongly, taking the opening game 11-4, while KAUFMANN initially struggled to find her rhythm. But the defending champion turned the match around with composure and confidence. “I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot against pimples and anti-topspin rubbers since I was a child, so I’m always happy when I get to face that type of material,” KAUFMANN explained. “So I definitely prefer Sabine with anti-spin rubbers than with offensive ones.” The men’s singles final between Kay STUMPER and Fanbo MENG was a nail-biter from start to finish. STUMPER led 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2, but MENG continued to battle back. The fourth game, which MENG won 20-18, was especially dramatic. Ultimately, the match went to a deciding seventh game. STUMPER surged ahead 6-0, but the gap narrowed, and in the end, just two points separated them—Stumper held his nerve and claimed victory. “I’m overjoyed and can’t quite believe it yet,” said the new champion in his first reaction. STUMPER had previously reached the podium in 2024, earning bronze, but this time he went all the way. “I’m just incredibly exhausted right now. It’s been a long tournament, and the final was physically demanding,” the 23-year-old said. “Now I’m just really happy I managed to win.” Tears of joy marked the conclusion of the women’s doubles final, as Kathrin MÜHLBACH and Sabine WINTER reclaimed the title they had first won 15 years ago. In a tense and high-quality match, they edged past the rising duo of Josephina NEUMANN and Koharu ITAGAKI, 3-2. In the men’s doubles, André BERTELSMEIER and Wim VERDONSCHOT captured their first senior national title, marking a milestone in their careers. Tanja KRÄMER, aged 45, added the only missing piece to her collection by winning the mixed doubles title. Already a former singles champion and three-time doubles winner, she partnered with Tobias HIPPLER to claim victory. The pair first overcame Lisa WANG and Cedric MEISSNER, then defeated NEUMANN and Kirill FADEEV in the final. For HIPPLER, this was a second mixed doubles title—his first came in 2021 with Franziska SCHREINER. Held in Thuringia’s capital from June 6–9, the TT Finals are one of the premier events on Germany’s table tennis calendar. The tournament showcases the nation’s top players in both the men’s and women’s competitions, along with youth players (ages 15 to 19), masters athletes, and lower-tier performance classes. More than 1,000 participants competed during the long Whitsun weekend at the Erfurt Exhibition Centre, making it a true celebration of table tennis across all levels.
Saint-Denis 93 TT Joined SKST Plus Hodonín After Dramatic Golden Match
The final lineup for the Europe Cup Women was determined after thrilling golden matches, where both hosts came back from opening-leg defeats. Saint-Denis 93 TT joined Czech side SKST Plus Hodonín in the ultimate stage of the continental competition. FIBRAIN KU AZS Politechnika Rzeszów had defeated Saint-Denis 93 TT in the opening leg of the semifinal, continuing what had already been a dream season for the Polish club. However, in the return leg, Hsing-Yin LIU was unstoppable, securing wins over Zuzanna WIELGOS, Fen LI, and Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC in the golden match. Agathe AVEZOU also remained unbeaten, having defeated Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC and clinching a narrow but decisive victory against Zuzanna WIELGOS in the third duel of the golden match. In the other semifinal, last week, SKST Plus Hodonín bounced back from a straight-match defeat in Hungary to earn a 3-1 win at home against Budaörsi Sport Club, forcing a golden match and eventually advancing to the final. Saint-Denis 93 TT -FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW 3-1 Hsing-Yin LIU – Zuzanna WIELGOS 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-4) Prithika PAVADE – Fen LI 0-3 (6-11, 7-11, 9-11) Agathe AVEZOU – Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC 3-1 (11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6) Hsing-Yin LIU – Fen LI 3-2 (11-9, 4-11, 7-11, 11-3, 6-3) Golden match Saint-Denis 93 TT -FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW 2-1 Hsing-Yin LIU – Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC 11-2 Prithika PAVADE – Fen LI 5-11 Agathe AVEZOU – Zuzanna WIELGOS 12-10 Opening leg FIBRAIN KU AZS POLITECHNIKA RZESZOW – Saint-Denis 93 TT 3-1 Fen LI – Hsing-Yin LIU 3-0 (11-4, 11-9, 11-9) Zuzanna WIELGOS – Prithika PAVADE 3-0 (14-12, 11-7, 11-5) Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC – Agathe AVEZOU 1-3 (7-11, 11-5, 8-11, 9-11) Fen LI – Prithika PAVADE 3-0 (11-8, 11-6, 11-4)
