Within this framework, the ITTF is implementing the Development of National Sports Systems (DNSS) programs to put in place solid structures within its Member Associations to support sustainable development of table tennis globally. In 2023, three such DNSS programs were conducted in Greece, Israel, and New Zealand. These initiatives aimed to provide comprehensive training and development opportunities for athletes, coaches, and member association staff.

In Greece, the DNSS program was delivered in a different manner from previous programs. Instead of focusing primarily on practical issues, the program took the shape of an online educational project targeting four focus groups: players, coaches, match officials, and parents. Experienced experts such as Dr. Michail Katsikadelis (sports science), Tina Crotta (refereeing), and Georgia Zavitsanou (former National Team Player and PhD candidate in Psychology) delivered webinars and encouraged interactive discussions among the participants. The focus was on creating a supportive environment for athletes, emphasizing the importance of psychological well-being, technical knowledge, and effective communication among all stakeholders.

Greek athletes and coaches also had the opportunity to participate in two training camps. The first one was a national team training camp at the Sports and Friendship stadium in Piraeus from 16-20 August. Over five days, participants engaged in six hours of daily training split into two sessions, focusing on physical preparation and table tennis-specific skills. The camp included 20 participants, with 14 youth players and 6 seniors. The training camp aimed to enhance the players’ technical abilities and physical conditioning with a view toward future competitions.

Another one was an international training camp at the Kaohsiung Tennis Table Training Centre, part of the Chuang Chi Yuan Academy in Taiwan, from 1-10 October, training under the guidance of Taiwanese. The camp featured seven hours of daily sessions, blending general preparation with table tennis-specific drills. This cross-cultural exchange enriched the athletes’ training experience, exposing them to different coaching styles and techniques, and promoting international sporting camaraderie.

Table Tennis New Zealand (TTNZ) through their NOC, was one of the beneficiaries of the DNSS program with their activities resuming in August 2022 and concluding in October 2023. In their menu for the development of the sport through DNSS, they were able to improve their ranking system, competition structure, player development, coach development and match officials’ development. The expert on duty was an experienced professional from Canada, Dejan Papic, who helped to analyze and develop a 3-year plan for the Member Association as well.

This year, Bolivia is one of the beneficiaries of the program. Participation Officer Carlos Esnard serves as the expert and started off proceedings in January with an ITTF-PTT Level 1 Coaching Course, followed by a National Training Camp in anticipation of the Bolivarian Youth Sports Games and the U11/U13 South American Championships, which took place in Bolivia in May.

The coaching course was very popular, with 36 coaches from across the country (and one coach from Chile) taking part. The course was followed by a youth training camp primarily targeting U11/U13 players with 32 players and six coaches taking part. The training camp also offered the perfect opportunity for the coaching course participants to fulfill their practical hours requirement. Besides this very practical focus, Carlos also worked with the administration of the Cochabamba Association to improve their structure and develop a comprehensive program directing them towards self-management and sustainable player development.

This work was continued on Carlos’ second visit, where new structural proposals for the development of Table Tennis in Bolivia were analyzed, such as the development of a new competitive calendar, a new technical direction of the Bolivian association, and a new training program for coaches, umpires, and administrators.

The program also entailed a seminar for physical education teachers, as well as two conferences at the local university in Cochabamba to promote table tennis amongst sports students.

Besides Bolivia, North Macedonia and Turkmenistan will also run DNSS initiatives this year.  Other associations are invited to explore the opportunities offered under this program for athletes and coaches to improve their skills, gain international experience, and contribute to the global table tennis community. For more information, please contact your responsible Participation Officer.

The ongoing collaboration between the ITTF and Olympic Solidarity underscores the commitment to fostering sports development worldwide. Through these targeted programs, associations can address their needs through a longer-term program, supported by the ITTF.