The first Eurotalents Development Camp of 2025 will be held from August 24th to 28th at CREPS in Strasbourg, France. Organized by the French Table Tennis Federation in cooperation with ETTU, the camp will welcome top young talents from across Europe. Arrival is scheduled for August 24th, with the training program running from August 25th to 27th. Participants will depart on August 28th. A connection with the Euro Mini Champs is expected following the camp. Players may request to arrive earlier—starting from August 21st—at their own cost. Early arrivals must be approved in advance by contacting Mr. Guillaume SIMONIN (guillaume.simonin@fftt.org), as the French national team and international ITTF Hopes players will already be present. National associations must confirm participation and submit their entries via the official online form by July 7th, 2025. Wildcard requests are also accepted by this date, subject to availability. For further details, national associations can contact: The full list of selected players includes promising talents from 18 countries, under the guidance of a professional coaching team led by Head Coach Stéphane HUCLIEZ. The CREPS facility offers onsite accommodation, training halls, and transport from/to Strasbourg Airport.
Unforgettable Gala Evening at Barutana Highlights the European Veterans Championships
The free day at the European Veterans Table Tennis Championships offered a welcome break for over 5,000 guests and participants gathered in Novi Sad, giving them the opportunity to step away from top-level table tennis and explore the beauty of the city—or in some cases, even make a quick trip to Belgrade. The evening program reached its peak with a gala night at Barutana, located on the slopes of Fruška Gora. The atmosphere was festive and unforgettable, bringing together a host of distinguished guests. Among those in attendance were ETTU President Pedro MOURA and ITTF President Petra SÖRLING, Vice President Francophonie Pongiste Internationale Beatrice ROMANESCU, along with table tennis legends, ETTU Vice-President Zoran PRIMORAC, Aleksandar KARAKAŠEVIĆ and Slobodan GRUJIĆ. Also present were Provincial Secretary for Sports and Youth Dane BASTA, General Director of the Novi Sad Fair Slobodan CVETKOVIĆ, City Council Member for Sports Tatjana MEDVED, Deputy Mayor Danijela ANDRIĆ, and City Council Member for Culture Maja ČEREMIDŽIĆ. “I am delighted to be back in Novi Sad for the biggest ETTU competition, the European Veterans Championships. Approximately 3 months ago I was here on an official visit, following the change of leadership of the Serbian Table Tennis Federation. To see the event going on in full steam and all the smiling faces around … what an amazing work by the Local Organizing Committee! I wish to congratulate the Serbian Table Tennis Federation and all Serbian Table Tennis community for this magnificent achievement. It has been a long way since these championships were awarded to Serbia but finally it is happening on a very high standards. We are all with a huge feeling of proudness,” said ETTU President MOURA. The audience was addressed by Championship Manager Dan FRACILE, while President of the Table Tennis Association of Serbia Predrag NIČIĆ presented plaques and certificates of appreciation to deserving individuals and partners. The evening was further enhanced by a musical performance—Senka Soldatović & Trio Midnight, accompanied by talented violinist Lana Zorjan, captivated the audience with their artistry and left a lasting impression on all those present. PHOTOS by Studio VUJCIN
ETTU Launches 2025 Athletes’ Commission Election Process
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
Eurotalents Selection Camp II Set for August in Riga
The ETTU Eurotalents Selection Camp II will take place in Riga, Latvia, from August 3 to 9, 2025, gathering Europe’s most promising young table tennis players. Hosted at the O. Kalpaks Riga Folk-Art Primary School sports hall, the camp will feature 20 tables and involve top coaching staff including VALLOT Vainula and Zvonimir KORENIC alongside physical coach Tatiana GARNOVA.. Each member association may nominate 3 boys and 3 girls born in 2013 or later, alongside their national or personal coaches. The best evaluated players will earn direct selection into the Eurotalents Program 2026. The Hanza Hotel will serve as the official accommodation, located within walking distance from the venue. The participation fee covers full board and local transport, with ETTU subsidizing one boy and one girl per association. Entries must be submitted by July 4, 2025, and cancellations are accepted until July 19 without penalty. For more information, contact: Ina Jozepsone (Latvian TT Federation) – lgtf@lgtf.lv Galia Dvorak (ETTU) – projects@ettu.org
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.”
