The European Table Tennis Union mourns the passing of Isabelle BEUMIER, one of the most respected figures in international officiating and a long-serving member and former Chair of the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee. Isabelle dedicated decades of her life to table tennis, making an outstanding contribution to the development of referees and umpires across Europe and beyond.
“Isabelle was one of the most dearest personalities in international table tennis. We will all miss her passion and dedication to our sport, but, above all, her kindness to all of us. May she rest in peace,” stated ETTU President Pedro MOURA.
The following tribute has been prepared by her colleagues from the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee, who had the privilege of working alongside her for many years.
“After serving as Deputy Chair of the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee from 2014 to 2016 and from 2020 to 2024, Isabelle was appointed Chair of the Committee in 2016, a position she held with distinction until 2020. Throughout these years, she shaped the future of officiating in European table tennis with exceptional professionalism, vision and dedication.
As an International Referee and Blue Badge Umpire, BEUMIER officiated at the highest level of our sport. She served as an umpire at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, was appointed Deputy Referee at the ITTF World Championships in Düsseldorf in 2017, and later served on the Referee Team at the European Games in Kraków 2023. These prestigious appointments reflected the confidence that both the ETTU and the ITTF placed in her expertise, professionalism and leadership. Throughout her career, she represented the ETTU at numerous international competitions, championships, educational seminars and development programmes, always demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and integrity.
These appointments represent only a small part of Isabelle’s outstanding international career. Over many years, she fulfilled numerous roles at ETTU and ITTF events around the world, serving as umpire, referee, deputy referee, instructor and mentor. Her experience, expertise and dedication made her one of the most respected match officials in international table tennis, leaving an enduring legacy that extends far beyond the positions and events listed here.
Under her leadership, the ETTU URC strengthened education programmes, promoted the development of young officials and created new opportunities for referees and umpires to progress onto the international stage. Isabelle was also a passionate advocate for women in officiating. She actively encouraged and mentored female umpires and referees, helping them gain confidence, develop their skills and pursue international careers. For many aspiring female officials, Isabelle was more than a mentor she was proof that commitment, excellence and leadership know no gender. She firmly believed that diversity and equal opportunities would strengthen the officiating community and worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality.
Whether acting as referee, instructor, mentor or committee chair, Isabelle was always willing to share her knowledge, support colleagues and inspire others to achieve their full potential.
For countless officials across Europe, Isabelle was their first mentor, their strongest supporter and the person who encouraged them to believe that an international career was within reach. Her influence can be seen in every generation of European match officials who have benefited from her guidance, patience and encouragement.”
Paying tribute to Isabelle, the current ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee Chair, Werner THURY, said:
“Isabelle was a role model for referees across Europe and around the world. Through her dedication, passion, and commitment, she paved the way for countless young referees to build international careers.
I had the privilege of learning from her. Her leadership of the ETTU URC was truly outstanding and left a lasting impact on our sport.
But above all, I will miss Isabelle as a dear friend.
Thank you, Isabelle, for allowing me to work alongside you, for your guidance, and for the friendship we shared. Your legacy will live on in the many people whose lives you touched.”
These words reflect what so many of us feel today.
Beyond her remarkable achievements and her outstanding service to European table tennis, Isabelle will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, warmth and humanity. She brought people together, believed in developing others and created a spirit of friendship within our officiating family that will endure for years to come.
“On behalf of the entire ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee, we extend our deepest condolences to Isabelle’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
Her contribution to European table tennis cannot be measured only by the events she officiated or the positions she held. It lives on in the standards she established, in the officials she mentored and in the community she helped build.
Thank you, Isabelle. Your dedication, friendship and legacy will forever remain a part of the ETTU Umpires and Referees family,” the Umpires and Referees Committee expressed in the tribute.”
The European Table Tennis Union joins the ETTU Umpires and Referees Committee in extending its sincere condolences to Isabelle’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as to everyone in the Belgian and international table tennis community who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Her contribution to our sport will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to live on through the many officials whose careers she helped shape.
