The Under 15 Boys Team competition is set to usher in a new generation of European stars at the 2026 European Youth Championships in Gondomar. While defending champions Italy no longer feature the squad that retained the title in Ostrava, the race for gold promises to be one of the most open events of the Championships, with several ambitious nations boasting talented young line-ups. Italy successfully defended their title last year after overcoming first-time finalists Türkiye in a thrilling final. It marked back-to-back European crowns for the Italians, whose previous triumph before their recent resurgence had come back in 1993. The championship-winning team featured Danilo FASO, Francesco TREVISAN, Giulio CAMPAGNA and Pietro CAMPAGNA, while silver medallists Türkiye were represented by Kenan KAHRAMAN, Görkem ÖÇAL, Kuzey GÜNDOĞDU and Ahmet ŞAHAN. Germany, represented by Jonas RINDERER, Lukas WANG, Samuel KUHL and Tian Nghia PHONG, and Poland, with Jan MRUGALA, Mateusz WISNIEWSKI, Piotr LACKI and Hubert KWIECIŃSKI, completed the podium with bronze medals. A year later, the landscape has changed significantly, with many of last year’s protagonists having moved into the Under 19 category. Top seeds Spain lead this year’s field with Marcos GOMEZ, Alexander MALOV, Ladimir MAYOROV and Roger QUESADA, while second-seeded Türkiye once again look among the strongest contenders with Emre BUCAK, Görkem ÖÇAL, Ali Enes SEREN and Kaan TUNA. Germany, seeded third, rely on Jonathan KRAFT, Kirill MANALAKI, Tien Nghia PHONG and Lukas WANG, while fourth seeds Poland are represented by Olaf GLANERT, Hubert KWIECIŃSKI, Ignacy SŁAWIŃSKI and Jakub TURECKI. Czechia, Sweden, Austria and France complete the top eight seeds. Czechia field Richard FEBER JR., Vojtěch LASTOVKA, Ondřej MORÁVEK and Oliver OLEJNÍK, Sweden are represented by Emil ELLERMANN, Joel ISAKSSON and Erik KOGERFELT, Austria by Benjamin BIAN, Sung Bing CHEN, Louis FEGERL and Joshua SAMS, while France arrive with Tim ESCUDIER, Nolan JOHNSTON, Quentin SANDONA and Noah TESSIER. Defending champions Italy begin their title defence as the fifteenth seeds with Pietro ANDREOLI, Pietro CAMPAGNA, Tommaso SIMI and Jan SLAVEC. Although only one member of last year’s winning squad returns, the Italians have shown repeatedly that they know how to rise to the occasion in this competition. With a fresh generation eager to make its mark, traditional powerhouses seeking to establish new dynasties and several emerging nations ready to challenge, the Under 15 Boys Team event promises to produce another memorable chapter in the European Youth Championships.
Germany Target Fourth Straight U15 Girls Team Crown in Gondomar
The Under 15 Girls Team competition heads to European Youth Championships in Gondomar with Germany once again carrying the status of favourites after building an impressive dynasty in recent years. Chasing a fourth consecutive European title, the defending champions will face strong opposition from a talented field led by Czechia, Poland, Sweden, France and several emerging nations eager to end Germany’s reign. Germany completed a golden hat-trick in Ostrava last year by capturing their third successive Under 15 Girls Team title. The triumph added to an already remarkable history in the event, with previous European crowns coming in 1994, 1998, 1999, 2009, 2012 and 2021. The victorious squad featured Josephina NEUMANN, Koharu ITAGAKI, Amelie Guzi JIA and Anna WALTER. In the final, NEUMANN and ITAGAKI led the way as Germany defeated France, represented by Lou-Anne BOCQUET, Lisa ZHAO, Eva LAM and Albane ROCHUT, to retain the title. Bronze medals were shared by Czechia, represented by Adéla BRHELOVÁ, Hanka KODET, Simona HOLUBOVÁ and Laura MARSICKOVÁ, and Italy, with Manon LOTH, Sofia EPISCOPO, Gioia Maria PICU and Matilde BUZZONI. A year later, Germany once again arrive among the favourites, although with a refreshed line-up. Third seeds, they are represented by Chenhao CHEN, Amelie Guzi JIA, Lotta ROTHFUSS and Anna WALTER, with two members of last year’s championship-winning team returning to defend the title. Top seeds Czechia lead this year’s draw with Adéla BARTOVÁ, Adéla BRHELOVÁ and Laura MARSICKOVÁ, while second-seeded Poland field Lucja KOBOSZ, Aleksandra NAWROCKA, Lena PUZIO and Natalia WSZOŁEK. No. 4 seeds Sweden rely on Siri BENJEGÅRD, Alicia ENBOM and Nike LUNDQVIST. France, seeded fifth, continue to look among the strongest challengers with Chloé HUANG, Eva LAM, Albane ROCHUT and Lisa ZHAO, while Romania, the sixth seeds, rely on Nadalia IONAȘCU, Maya MADAR, Kariss ȘERBAN and Bianca TOMA. Türkiye, represented by Belinay DAVUŞ, Ceren KAHRAMAN, Elvin KALE and Ela Su YONTER, are seeded seventh, followed by Croatia with Karla IVČIĆ, Lucija NOVAK and Sara RIVETTI. Spain, Portugal and Italy all possess the quality to challenge for the latter stages. Spain field Eloisa BARREDA, Teresa CARRASCO VIEITO, Esther HASEK and Mireia PARAU, hosts Portugal are represented by Núria MADEIRA, Maria RUIVO, Irina SILVA and Matilde SOUSA, while Italy arrive with Claudia BERTOLINI, Alice BORSANI, Matilde BUZZONI and Carolina ROSSI.
EUROSPINS Returns for Second Edition with Expanded Asian Partnership
ETTU is pleased to announce the second edition of the EUROSPINS development programme, continuing its successful cooperation with the Korea Table Tennis Association while expanding the initiative through the participation of two additional leading Asian associations Japan and Chinese Taipei. Following the successful launch of the programme, the new cycle will once again consist of two training camps designed to provide Europe’s most promising young players with valuable international experience and high-level training opportunities. The first camp will take place in Gangneung, Korea, from 3 to 12 September 2026, while the second camp is scheduled for Easter 2027 in Europe, with the host location to be confirmed. The programme is open to players born after 1 January 2010. A full presentation of the EUROSPINS programme will be delivered during the coaches’ meeting at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar on 11 July 2026. Player selection for the programme will be made immediately after the conclusion of the championships. To further support participating athletes, ETTU will also cover the cost of an additional hotel night for players who decide to remain in Korea to compete in the subsequent WTT tournaments. The detailed programme presentation and camp schedule are available in the attached documents. ETTU looks forward to welcoming coaches in Gondomar and launching another exciting edition of the EUROSPINS development programme.
Estonia’s Rakvere Hosts Successful NETU Youth Championships
The NETU Youth Championships 2026 brought three days of high-level youth table tennis to Rakvere, Estonia, from 26 to 28 June, welcoming 111 young players from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and the host nation. One of the region’s premier youth competitions, the championships featured team and individual events in the U15 and U19 categories. Over three days, a total of 351 matches were played, providing valuable international experience for the next generation of players while strengthening sporting ties among the North European table tennis nations. The home crowd had plenty to celebrate as Estonia claimed the silver medal in the U19 Boys Team event, delivering one of the highlights of the championships. The result marked an important achievement for Estonian youth table tennis and demonstrated the country’s growing strength at regional level. The final day was dedicated to the individual events, where the U15 and U19 singles champions were crowned. Featuring many of the tournament’s standout performers, the finals provided a fitting conclusion to an exciting and competitive championship. The significance of the event was reflected by the presence of several distinguished guests, including the newly elected President of the Estonian Olympic Committee, Erich TEIGAMÄGI, ETTU Vice-President Ina JOZEPSONE, President of the Estonian Table Tennis Association Eero KOOKLA, and Chairman of the Board of the Estonian Table Tennis Association Andres LOFITSKI, who attended the championships and presented the awards. The organisers expressed their satisfaction with both the sporting standard and the successful delivery of the event. Rakvere Sports Hall provided excellent conditions throughout the competition, while the smooth organisation was made possible through the joint efforts of the Estonian Table Tennis Association, local partners, officials, volunteers and the wider table tennis community. Hosting the NETU Youth Championships also offered an excellent opportunity to bring international table tennis to a wider Estonian audience. The lively atmosphere in Rakvere gave local fans the chance to watch many of Northern Europe’s brightest young talents and further promoted youth table tennis in the country. All results can be found here. Photo gallery here. Photo credit: Anita KOSTAP
Istanbul 2027 Strengthens Its Role as Gateway to the Olympic Games
The 55th European Olympic Committees (EOC) General Assembly in Budapest brought together representatives of Europe’s National Olympic Committees to discuss the future of the Olympic Movement and preparations for the major multi-sport events ahead. A key focus of the Assembly was the 4th European Games Istanbul 2027, with the Organising Committee presenting updates on the sports programme, venues and preparations as the countdown to the Games continues. EOC President Spyros CAPRALOS reaffirmed the growing importance of the European Games, highlighting their role in Olympic qualification and their increasing visibility across Europe. Delegates also received reports from the IOC, ANOC and WADA, together with updates on the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and the 2027 European Youth Olympic Festivals in Brașov and Lignano Sabbiadoro. Representing the European Table Tennis Union at the General Assembly, ETTU Deputy President Heike AHLERT welcomed the outcomes of the meeting and underlined the significance of the messages delivered by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, as well as the opportunities the European Games present for table tennis. “ETTU welcomes the outcomes of the 54th EOC Assembly in Budapest. The speech by IOC President Kirsty COVENTRY at the EOC Assembly 2026 in Budapest focused on three main messages: the autonomy of sports, neutrality as a core principle, and solidarity/universality of the Olympic Movement. She emphasized that sports can only unleash their social power if their neutrality is protected and athletes’ voices are consistently heard. The speech by the IOC President gives an important boost to European sport. The clear emphasis on neutrality, solidarity, and athlete focus confirms the path that the ETTU has been following for years. Europe has a special responsibility in table tennis – we create fair opportunities, support the athletes, and protect the autonomy of our sport. The 2027 European Games in Istanbul have been confirmed as a key qualification platform for LA 2028 – a strong signal for all Olympic sports. 21 out of 22 continental sports federations are using the European Games as the continental qualification event for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. We as ETTU will use the coming months to work with the EOC and the organizers to create optimal sporting and organizational conditions. This close cooperation, combined with the media reach provided by the EBU, offers our sport valuable opportunities to showcase itself across Europe in an attractive and highly visible way. Table tennis will play its part – with precision, fairness, and passion. We look forward to the journey ahead to Istanbul and on to Los Angeles.” The next EOC General Assembly will be held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 15 June 2027, just days before the opening of the fourth European Games.
Balkan Youth Championships Provide Ultimate European Youth Championships Test Ahead of Gondomar
The 33rd Balkan Youth Table Tennis Championships came to a successful close in Elbasan, Albania, after five days of competition that showed the best young talents from across the region. Serving as the final major test before the 2026 European Youth Championships in Gondomar, the event offered players and coaches a valuable opportunity to measure their form against many of their future continental rivals. Romania, Türkiye, Serbia, Bulgaria emerged as the dominant nations on the medal table, underlining their strength ahead of Europe’s premier youth event. In the Cadet Girls Team event, Türkiye claimed the gold medal ahead of Romania, while Greece and Serbia finished third and fourth. Bulgaria lifted the Cadet Boys Team title, finishing ahead of Türkiye, with Serbia and Romania finishing third and fourth. The Junior Girls Team competition saw Türkiye capture the title by beating Romania in the final. Bulgaria won bronze after they overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina in the match for the third position. In the Junior Boys Team event, Bulgarija secured the championship, with Türkiye taking silver and Greece and Romania finishing third and fourth. In the Junior Boys’ Singles event, Türkiye celebrated title thanks to Berk ÖZTOPRAK who defeated Robert PODAR of Romania in the final. The bronze medals were shared by Yoan VELICHKOV and Stefan DIMITROV of Bulgaria. Bulgaria celebrated the Junior Girls’ Singles title thanks to Nina NIKOLOVA, who defeated Romania’s Patricia STOICA in the final. The bronze medals were awarded to Emina CERIĆ of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Alesia SFERLEA of Romania. Bulgaria celebrated the Cadet Boys’ Singles title thanks to Miroslav SCHMIDT, who defeated Kuzey GÜNDOĞDU of Türkiye in the final. The bronze medals were awarded to David CAPANDA and Branko DRAGOLJEVIĆ of Serbia. Türkiye dominated the Cadet Girls’ Singles event, with Ela Su YONTER claiming the title after defeating compatriot Belinay DAVUS in the final. The bronze medals were awarded to Lejla BOTONJIĆ of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kariss SERBAN of Romania.
Gondomar Ready to Welcome Europe’s Rising Stars
The countdown is almost over. From 10 to 19 July, the spotlight will turn to Gondomar, Portugal, as Europe’s finest young table tennis players gather for the 2026 European Youth Championships, one of the most prestigious events on the ETTU calendar. The championships will feature ten days of competition across Under 19 and Under 15 categories, with team events opening the programme before the focus shifts to the individual competitions. The Multiusos de Gondomar will once again provide the stage for Europe’s future stars. The championships begin with the team events from 10 to 14 July before the individual events, including singles, doubles and mixed doubles, take centre stage from 15 to 19 July. The Multiusos de Gondomar is no stranger to hosting elite table tennis. The Portuguese venue has previously welcomed the 2016 Europe Top 16 Cup, the 2019 European Under 21 Championships and the 2020 ITTF World Team Olympic Qualification Tournament, and now adds the 2026 European Youth Championships to its impressive portfolio. As always, the entry list promises exceptional quality. Thirty-nine associations will compete in the Under 19 Boys Teams event and 34 in the Under 19 Girls Teams competition, while 37 nations have entered the Under 15 Boys Teams and 34 the Under 15 Girls Teams, underlining the depth and popularity of Europe’s premier youth event. Several players arrive in Gondomar carrying the confidence of recent success at the European Under 21 Championships in Cluj-Napoca, where they demonstrated that they are already capable of competing against Europe’s best young seniors. Italy’s Danilo FASO will once again be among the leading contenders after an outstanding season, while Romania’s Bianca MEI ROSU returns as one of the biggest names in the Under 19 Girls event. Other familiar names include Tiago ABIODUN of Portugal, Robert ISTRATE of Romania, Yoan VELICHKOV of Bulgaria, Natalia BOGDANOWICZ of Poland, Leana HOCHART of France and Koharu ITAGAKI of Germany, all eager to add another major European title to their growing careers. The host nation will be hoping home support can inspire another memorable championship. Portugal fields strong squads across the age groups, led by ABIODUN, Julia LEAL and a talented generation aiming to challenge Europe’s traditional powerhouses. Defending champions and recent medallists will also be under the spotlight. Romania, France, Germany, Italy and Poland all enjoyed success at last year’s championships and will once again be among the favourites as a new generation looks to make its mark on European table tennis. With ten days of high-level competition ahead, Gondomar is ready to show the next generation of European stars. For many players, these championships represent not only the pursuit of European titles but also another important step towards senior international success.
New Generation Earns Eurotalents and ITTF Hopes Places in Havířov
The ITTF Hopes & ETTU Eurotalents Selection Camp concluded in Havířov, Czech Republic, with a new group of Europe’s most promising young players securing their places in the ETTU Eurotalents programme, while the top three boys and girls also earned qualification for the ITTF Hopes programme. The week-long camp, held from 14 to 20 June, brought together talented young athletes from across Europe for intensive training and evaluation. At the conclusion of the selection process, five boys and six girls were chosen to join the Eurotalents programme. Among the boys, Akif Emre BUCAK (Türkiye), Aiden CEPEDA (Belgium) and Ryan LI (Ireland) impressed throughout the camp, securing places in both the ETTU Eurotalents and ITTF Hopes programmes. They were joined in the Eurotalents programme by Daniel CASQUERO (Spain) and Vojtech BERÁNEK (Czechia). In the girls’ selection, Defne ÜZÜMCÜ (Türkiye) and Derin MÜLAZIM (Türkiye) earned places in both programmes alongside Kamilla KADAR (Finland), who had already secured her Eurotalents status in 2025 and qualified this year for ITTF Hopes. The remaining Eurotalents places went to Maya Andreea PAVEL (Italy), Mia WU (Austria) and Stella PRESECKI (Croatia). The camp also recognised players who had already secured their Eurotalents places during last year’s selection. Lara MONTEIRO (Portugal), Andreea PROHOROVICI (Moldova) and Aybige Feride ÜSTÜNDAĞ (Türkiye) retain their Eurotalents status after being selected in 2025. Under the Eurotalents system, selected players remain part of the programme until they move beyond the Under 13 age category and are welcome to attend future selection camps for training and development. Selection for the ITTF Hopes programme, however, is conducted annually, with players required to qualify again each year to earn a place on the pathway towards the ITTF World Hopes event. Selected for ETTU Eurotalents Boys Girls Already in Eurotalents (selected in 2025)
Tickets Now on Sale for HYLO ETTU Champions League Final 4 2027 in Saarbrücken
Following the outstanding success of this year’s edition, table tennis fans can now secure their place for the next chapter of European club table tennis. Tickets for the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men Final 4 2027 in Saarbrücken are now on sale. The event will take place on 8 and 9 May 2027 at the Saarlandhalle, where the continent’s four best clubs will battle for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy. The announcement comes after a memorable 2026 edition, when 1. FC Saarbrücken TT captured their fourth consecutive HYLO ETTU Champions League Men title in front of a packed crowd of 3,459 spectators. The hosts defeated Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier in a dramatic final that went down to the fifth and deciding match, underlining both the sporting quality and the unique atmosphere that have made Saarbrücken one of the flagship venues of European table tennis. “The HYLO ETTU Champions League Men Final 4 has become one of the highlights of the European table tennis calendar. The outstanding organisation, the passionate fans, and the exceptional level of play we witnessed in Saarbrücken this year set a benchmark for our sport. We are delighted to continue this successful partnership and look forward to welcoming clubs, players, and supporters from across Europe for another unforgettable edition in 2027,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA. Team Manager of 1. FC Saarbrücken TT and Head of Organisation, Nicolas BARROIS, is already looking forward to welcoming fans back next spring. “We are very happy and very honoured to host this major event in Saarbrücken for another two years. After the great success of this year’s edition, both organisationally and sportingly, we feel very confident about the future. The hall was full on both days, we witnessed outstanding table tennis and enjoyed an amazing atmosphere throughout the event. We are convinced that next year’s competition will be another great occasion. The date at the beginning of May is perfect for us, and we are determined to build on what we achieved this year. We are very satisfied with how the event was organised, but there are always small details that can be improved, and we will work hard to make everything even better. Our goal is not only to maintain the high standards we have already set, but also to add something extra in the coming years. We are especially pleased that, together with ETTU, we have been able to confirm the dates so early. This allows us to launch ticket sales well in advance, giving fans the opportunity to plan their trips and secure their tickets with confidence. We are really looking forward to the next editions and will do everything possible to make them another great sporting competition and a memorable event for everyone involved.” With the dates confirmed and ticket sales opening on 3 July, fans can now begin planning their trip to Saarbrücken for what promises to be another spectacular weekend of world-class table tennis. The road to the HYLO ETTU Champions League Men Final 4 2027 starts now.
Four Decades of Excellence: Vic International Open Continues to Grow
On 5 and 6 September 2026, the 41st edition of the Vic International Open will take place in Vic (Barcelona) at the Castell d’en Planes Sports Hall. The tournament was first held in 1986, featuring a single Men’s Singles event, won by Spanish legend Josep M. PALÉS. Over the past four decades, the Vic International Open has grown into one of the longest-running and most inclusive table tennis events on the calendar. Its development reflects both the evolution of the sport and a strong commitment to accessibility and diversity. The Women’s Singles event was introduced in the second edition and was won by Belgian player Barbara LIPPENS. Since then, the competition has expanded steadily, adding the Catalan Open, Youth events, Veterans events, Para Table Tennis competitions, and, more recently, events for people living with Parkinson’s. This year marks the 22nd edition of the Para TT Open and the 2nd edition of the Open for People with Parkinson’s, further underlining the event’s inclusive character. The list of past champions includes several distinguished names from the world of table tennis, among them NI Xia Lian, Félix LEBRUN and Álvaro ROBLES, highlighting the tournament’s longstanding reputation and prestige. Photo by David Fajula
