ITTF extends its warmest congratulations to the Hungarian Table Tennis Association (MOATSZ) as it marks its centennial year with a magnificent Centenary event. The celebration, held at the Azúr Hotel in Siófok, brought together a host of domestic and international dignitaries to commemorate Hungary’s illustrious table tennis heritage.
ITTF President Petra Sörling was represented by Secretary General Raul Calin, who joined esteemed guests including ITTF Senior Executive Vice President Khalil Al-Mohannadi, ETTU Acting President Pedro Moura, and African Table Tennis Federation President Khaled El-Salhy. The presence of Hungarian sporting luminaries, such as Pál Schmitt, Honorary President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee and former President of Hungary, further underscored the significance of this milestone.
The evening featured a theatrical performance, taking attendees back to 1924 when pioneers like György Ullmann and Béla Kehrling established what would become a powerhouse in the sport. This presentation highlighted Hungary’s significant role in elevating table tennis internationally with special mention to Budapest hosting the first European Table Tennis Championships in 1958.
MOATSZ President Imre Kovacsics delivered a stirring speech, reflecting on a century of table tennis excellence. He paid homage to the legendary Viktor Barna, holder of 22 world titles, and celebrated the enduring presence of Hungarian athletes at the pinnacle of the sport. Kovacsics proudly noted Hungary’s founding membership in both the ITTF and the European Table Tennis Union, emphasising the nation’s vital contribution to table tennis’s global development.
A special highlight of the festivities was the unveiling of a limited-edition commemorative stamp and envelope by the Hungarian Post, a fitting tribute to the centenary which celebrates table tennis’s widespread appeal at both amateur and professional levels.
The gala also saw the presentation of several lifetime achievement awards, including honours for Éva Kóczián and László Volper, with posthumous awards for Roland Jacobi and György Ullmann. The ITTF applauds MOATSZ for recognising these individuals who have contributed significantly to the sport’s rich history in Hungary.
The ITTF joins the global table tennis community in celebrating MOATSZ’s glorious past and looks forward to an equally successful century ahead. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to MOATSZ on this remarkable achievement and express our gratitude for Hungary’s enduring contribution to the world of table tennis.