by ITTF Foundation

Qatar

Mr. Khalil Al Mohannadi, ITTF Deputy President and Qatar Table Tennis Association President celebrated WTTD 2021 with the table tennis community in Doha this year. They were joined by ITTF CEO Steve Dainton and ITTF Member Relations Director Mounir Bessah. The physical event was a success despite Covid-19, and made possible with the help from Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital as well the White Army.

“It is my great pleasure to celebrate World Table Tennis Day 2021 with you all here in Doha. As the ITTF Deputy President, I believe it’s crucial to stay active in Table Tennis promotions, whether as host of high-performance competitions, or a festive celebration like the World Table Tennis Day. This is the day in which we show our love for table tennis, a sport that promotes solidarity and inclusiveness.” Mr. Khali Al-Mohannadi

DPR Korea

DPR Korea joined our WTTD celebration for the first time! Embracing the FEMpowerment campaign, DPR Korea organised a female-only event to show how table tennis can help in empowering women and developing self-confidence.

Nepal

Good things came in pairs for the inspiring female entrepreneur Anneeliya Anniey on 6th April this year. She has dedicated 15 years of her career to promoting table tennis and finally celebrated the grand opening of her club – Annieys Ping-Pong Club in Nepal. The club is solely financed by Anneeliya and was established to promote Table Tennis as an inclusive sport for all.

There was even a cake!

Turkey  

From Izmir to Malatya, the Turkish community showed us that table tennis can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere.

In Malatya, our organiser Orhan Altaya set up tables by the water, under a bridge, and in parks. Everyone was invited to play and enjoy the fun table tennis brings.

Sinan Muhurdaroglu and Ozge Guner hosted WTTD events in multiple cities close to Izmir including Allianoi, Asklepion, and Pergamos. Supporting the FEMpowerment campaign this year, the participation of girls and female players was highlighted during the event. All participants shared their love for Table Tennis on 6th April, be it by ancient ruins or scenic castles. Thanks to the support of Izmir City Sports Directorate Murat Eskici, we were also able to enjoy the best moment of Izmir WTTD 2021 celebration captured by a drone.

Russia

Speaking of celebrating WTTD 2021 and playing table tennis in unimaginable places, check out what Konstantin Avanesov has done on April 6th that made Table Tennis almost an extreme sport. The community managed to set up a table on top of Derbent Fortress and everyone was invited to participate (if they dared!). While there was less emphasis on FEMpowerment, there was a wheelchair tournament to showcase the inclusiveness table tennis embraces.

Lebanon

Led by Promoter and IOC Young Leader Mayssa Bsaibes and her sister Rita Bsaibes, a combination of digital and physical celebrations took place in Beirut for WTTD 2021. A 30 day digital campaign kick-started the celebration with engaging activities such as workouts, quizzes and talks with sporting experts. At the main event on the 6th April, 15 girls affected by the Beirut harbour explosion were received in collaboration with NGO Arc en ciel; empowered to regain control through activities including games, exhibitions, and table tennis challenges.

Ireland

How many times can you find the side edge of your equipment with a Ping Pong ball?

Our Irish community attempted to answer the question by showing off their skills online for a chance to win a special prize. Interactive virtual challenges with women of all ages, a live Woman in Sport Event and fun table tennis competitions were only a part of the fun as Ireland celebrated WTTD 2021. With the support of Table Tennis Ireland and Women In Sports Ireland, promoter Jing Yi Graham dedicated an all-round female-centric agenda to honour the FEMpowerment campaign this year.

Slovakia

Did you know that table tennis keeps your brain sharp and boosts creativity?

Slovakia went outside the box and celebrated WTTD 2021 on paper, literally! A drawing contest took place with colourful paintings vividly illustrating the versatility of table tennis.

It’s been exciting for us here at the ITTF Foundation as we continue to receive WTTD 2021 celebration updates from our community worldwide. We thank those who joined our mission and made 6th April a day to remember for us all. Have any ideas for WTTD 2022? Keep an eye on our website for when to register your events!