The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was invited to the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, where they received a warm welcome from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.

Leading the delegation was ITTF President and IOC Member Petra Sörling, accompanied by IOC Member Ryu Seungmin, Executive Board Members, Chairs of the ITTF Athletes Commission, and senior staff.

President Bach, in his welcome address, urged the delegation to seize this opportunity to further collaborate on how sport can actively contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how to embrace the ever-accelerating development of digital technology and in particular Artificial Intelligence. The productive dialogue between the ITTF and the IOC marks a significant stride towards fortifying the ongoing partnership between the two organizations.

“After a decade, the ITTF Executive Board convened once again in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne. Engaging in profound discussions with President Bach and the IOC was an honour, solidifying our dedication to positioning table tennis and our federation at the forefront of the Olympic Movement. We are resolute in our dedication to contributing meaningfully to the movement’s values and aspirations.” – ITTF President & IOC Member Petra Sörling

Chairs of the ITTF Athletes Commission, Sharath Kamal Achanta, Liu Shiwen, and Singapore’s most decorated Olympian Feng Tianwei, left their mark by signing the Olympians Wall and were honoured with OLY certificates of recognition by President Bach.

Amidst this momentous occasion, the ITTF is conducting an Executive Board meeting in Lausanne. Stay tuned for announcements following its conclusion on December 7, 2023.