During his visit to WTT Feeder Istanbul, ETTU President Pedro MOURA met with Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan ÇAKIR, President of Türkiye Olympic Committee, also ITTF Executive Vice President and director of the 2027 European Games, alongside Türkiye Table Tennis Association President Mr. Kerim KOÇ.
The meeting focused on preparations for the European Games Istanbul 2027, as well as broader discussions about the future development of international table tennis.
Speaking after the meeting, Pedro MOURA highlighted the value of open dialogue and cooperation between institutions.
“It was a very positive meeting and a good opportunity to exchange ideas about the preparation of the 2027 European Games and the future of table tennis,” said MOURA. “We discussed several important topics connected to the international development of our sport. Meetings like this are very important because strong cooperation between federations and sports institutions helps us continue building and improving table tennis for the future.”
“It was a great pleasure to welcome ETTU President Mr. Pedro MOURA to Türkiye. During our meeting, we had comprehensive discussions on the preparations for the 2027 European Games and the special role that table tennis will play within this major event. As President of the Turkish Olympic Committee and Vice President of the ITTF, I have always attached particular importance to table tennis and to its unique position within the international sports movement. At the 2027 European Games, table tennis will be one of the standout sports, and we are committed to delivering the highest possible standards in every aspect of its organization” said Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan ÇAKIR.
Türkiye has become an important hub for table tennis through the successful international events it has hosted in recent years. In Istanbul’s bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, table tennis will also hold an important place thanks to our strong infrastructure, extensive organizational experience, and the international expertise we have built over the years.
“Mr. Pedro MOURA’S visit was a clear reflection of the strong ties and shared vision between Türkiye and the European table tennis community.”
The fourth edition of the European Games will feature 26 sports and disciplines, including 22 Olympic sports connected to the programme of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. The event is expected to play an important role in the Olympic qualification pathway, offering athletes opportunities through direct quota places and ranking systems.
Table tennis remains one of the confirmed sports on the programme, continuing its important role within the multi-sport event.
The Istanbul edition will also introduce rowing beach sprint, weightlifting and squash to the European Games programme, while gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling return after missing the previous edition in Kraków-Małopolska 2023.
