Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER, a legend of Romanian table tennis, has passed away at the age of 91. Inducted into the Hall of Fame by the ETTU and ITTF, alongside the legendary Angelica ROZEANU, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER made history in the sport, serving as an inspiration both during her playing career and in the years following her retirement.
Alongside other emblematic figures, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER contributed to the development and global recognition of Romanian table tennis. She also played a significant role in shaping future generations, acting as a mentor and guide.
Born on November 26, 1933, in Moldova Nouă, her table tennis journey began at the age of 11 in Timișoara, at RGMT Club, where she quickly stood out, becoming a local junior champion in 1946. This was just a prelude to her 30 national championship titles, won while playing for Progresul and Voința, in Bucharest.
“I felt the paddle like a violin,” she once said, and she mastered it with exceptional skill between 1952 and 1963, during which she won 13 medals at the World Championships, including three gold medals with the team and two gold medals in doubles, alongside Angelica ROZEANU.
Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER was also European champion in women’s doubles in 1958, as well as a two-time European runner-up, with the team (1958) and in women’s doubles (1964).
Her impressive record at the biggest events also includes:
World Championships:
- 1953 World Champion in Women’s Teams
- 1955 World Champion in Women’s Teams
- 1955 World Champion in Women’s Doubles (with Angelica Rozeanu/ROU)
- 1956 World Champion in Women’s Teams
- 1956 World Champion in Women’s Doubles (with Angelica Rozeanu/ROU)
- 1952 Vice World Champion in Women’s Teams
- 1957 Vice World Champion in Women’s Teams
- 1963 Vice World Champion in Women’s Teams
European Championships:
- 1958 European Champion in Women’s Doubles (with Angelica Rozeanu/ROU)
- 1958 Vice European Champion in Women’s Teams
- 1964 Vice European Champion in Women‘s Doubles (with Maria Alexandru/ROU)
International Championships:
1st place in Women’s Singles:
- Italy: 1957
- Romania: 1957
Romanian National Championships:
- 1st place in Women’s Singles: 1957 – 1961
- 1st place in Women’s Doubles: 1953 – 1956, 1958 – 1961, 1963 – 1965
- 1st place in Mixed Doubles: 1952, 1956 – 1959, 1961, 1963
Best rankings:
- ITTF: 2nd place in 1965
- ETTU: 2nd place in 1964
After retiring in 1966, Ella ZELLER CONSTANTINESCU’s success story continued. Until 1989, she served as a federal coach, playing a crucial role in training top athletes who achieved international success.
As a distinguished coach in Romania, Ella CONSTANTINESCU ZELLER later emigrated to Germany, where she remained dedicated to table tennis.
In 2000, Romania honored her with the National Cross for Faithful Service, 3rd Class.
Condolences to Ella ZELLER CONSTANTINESCU’s family.
The funeral will be held in Timișoara.
