Al-Mohannadi Withdraws from the ITTF Presidential Race

May 10, 2017
10:12 am
Member Associations

Qatar’s Khalil AL-MOHANNADI has withdrawn his nomination for the ITTF Presidency and has announced that he will run for the position of ITTF Executive Vice President at the ITTF elections to be held on 31 May 2017 in Dusseldorf Germany.

AL-MOHANNADI who is the current Qatar Table Tennis Association President Arab Table Tennis Federation President and ITTF Deputy President explained why he took this decision: “I would like to thank all the National Associations who contacted me to support my nomination to become the ITTF President on the back of my dedication to table tennis through a number of high level positions since 1995.”

“After long discussions with my friends and most importantly my family even though I believe I had a strong chance of winning the election I have decided to run for a position on the ITTF Executive Committee.”

AL-MOHANNADI’s withdrawal means that the race to become the ITTF President will be between the current ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT from Germany and Belgium’s Jean-Michel SAIVE.

“I respect both the nominations of Thomas WEIKERT and Jean-Michel SAIVE to become the ITTF President ” continued AL-MOHANNADI. “However I have decided to support Thomas WEIKERT’s candidacy for the Presidency. Thomas has had two and a half years as President where he has made positive changes to the sport and I believe he deserves to be elected as President in his home country and have four more years to continue to work and implement his vision for our sport.”

“Jean-Michael SAIVE was a great player and ambassador for table tennis which we all respect him for. Despite that Jean-Michel has never held a high level international political table tennis position. So I don’t believe it is correct that his first position is that of ITTF President. But of course if he wins I will be the first to congratulate him.” concluded the Qatari.

The ITTF elections will take place during the ITTF AGM starting at 9am on 31 May 2017 in Dusseldorf Germany.

For a full list of nominees for all positions please visit: http://www.ittf.com/meetings-non-sporting-events/2017-wttc/.

Germany Reached Semifinals of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Chengdu

The Stage 2 phase concluded in Chengdu with China, Japan, Germany and Korea Republic securing their places in the semifinals. The final round delivered high drama across the tables, with...

Croatia continued their dream run, defeat Hong Kong

Croatia produced another outstanding performance, overcoming 10th seeds Hong Kong, China to extend their remarkable campaign in the Stage 2 of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025 8-6. Ivor...

Juchnaite and Floro Crowned U21 Champions at the 2025 Finlandia Open

Lithuania’s Lukrecija JUCHNAITĖ and Slovakia’s Damian FLORO claimed the Under-21 singles titles at the 2025 Finlandia Open, staged at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja. In the U21 Women’s Singles...

ITTF Welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron in Chengdu

French President Emmanuel MACRON visited the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu, where he met both Team France and Team China during his state visit to China. He was...