ETTU President Pedro MOURA, attending the ITTF Executive Board meeting in his role as President of the European Table Tennis Union, underlined the importance of unity and progress at a decisive moment for world table tennis.
“This was a crucial meeting, demonstrating that our sport had a great summer despite the interruption of the AGM in Doha last May. As ETTU President, I feel positive about the governance progress ITTF President Petra SÖRLING is implementing in such difficult circumstances. We are ready to have a constructive approach to the current situation, working towards unity in our beloved sport. It’s time to stop the gossip,” MOURA stated.
The ITTF Executive Board met on 18 August 2025 with the ITTF President, Deputy President, Executive Vice-Presidents, CEO, Secretary General, and Presidents of the Continental Federations in attendance.
Governance Updates
Significant work has been undertaken to address matters relating to the resumption of the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), in consultation with an international Swiss-based law firm. During the meeting, it was clarified that this responsibility lies with the Chair of the AGM, Graham Symons, who indicated he is considering an online format for the continuation. He will wait for the decision of the ITTF Tribunal before confirming the date and modality.
In recent weeks, the ITTF Tribunal appointed a Hearing Panel. The hearing will take place later this month, with a decision expected once the panel has deliberated. The patience and support of Member Associations during this process are greatly appreciated. For further reference, Division 2 of the ITTF Tribunal Regulations provides details on the stages of this procedure.
A Brilliant Summer for Table Tennis
Besides these governance matters, ITTF has maintained business continuity and strong momentum. The past months have demonstrated our capacity to deliver:
- A superb season of table tennis, highlighted by the inaugural US Smash, Europe Smash, and Champions Yokohama.
- The 2026 Calendar published in August, earlier than in past years, responding directly to requests from players and Member Associations.
- The new ITTF World Para Circuit continued to set up new standard for Para table tennis with several successful events taking place
- Strengthened Continental Development through our flagship Hopes Programme.
- Preparations underway for the Centenary World Championships in London 2026, alongside early preparations for the World Championships 2027, 2028, and 2029.
- Ongoing discussions on Olympic Qualification systems, particularly for the newly introduced mixed team event.
- The opening of an ITTF/WTT office in the USA to expand our presence and impact in a key market.
- Entry into exclusive dialogue with Saudi Arabia regarding the next ITTF World Esports Championships.
- Launch of work on the Centenary Constitutional Reform, as mandated by the AGM.
- Working on projects and concepts to celebrate ITTF’s Centenary sin 2026.
The ITTF remains committed to delivering on the objectives of its Strategic Plan while ensuring the smooth delivery of day-to-day operations. ITTF is confident that, by working together, we will overcome the remaining challenges and continue to grow table tennis worldwide. Expanding on the brilliant Summer for Table Tennis.
