The 2024 World Table Tennis for Health Congress, organised by the ITTF Foundation, launched today in Maizières-lès-Metz, France, alongside online sessions, marking two days dedicated to exploring the intersection of table tennis and health. ITTF President Petra Sörling officially opened the Congress, which brings together thought leaders, health professionals, and sports organizations to highlight how table tennis can play a transformative role in physical and mental health.
Moderated by Taisa Belli, Chair of the ITTF Sport Science and Medical Committee, the Congress dives into various health-focused themes through expert-led sessions. Today’s sessions included insights from Philipp Müller-Wirth of UNESCO, who presented on the “Fit for Life” initiative, focusing on supporting member states in developing inclusive sports policies and expanding investments in physical activity as critical elements of sustainable health.
Further presentations included neuroscientist Liz Franz from the University of Otago, who shared research on how table tennis could serve as a tool for healthy aging, especially against neurodegenerative such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Discussions with experts such as Denis Obert, a physiotherapist specializing in Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Yasunobu Hoshino of Juntendo University Hospital, and Daniel Rodriguez, CEO of Sense4Care, provided guidance on how table tennis could improve motor function and offer therapeutic benefits for individuals with Parkinson’s.
A highlight of the Congress was the announcement of table tennis legend Zoran Primorac as the ITTF Foundation’s newest Ambassador, joining current Ambassadors Galia Dvorak, Ryu Seung-min, and Sharath Kamal. Presented with his Ambassador’s shirt by Petra Sörling and HRH Princess Zeina Rashid of Jordan, Primorac will promote the sport’s impact on health worldwide, in line with the Foundation’s mission.
The Congress continues tomorrow with sessions on implementing active aging initiatives, guiding handbooks for health-focused table tennis, and the potential of table tennis in Alzheimer’s care. The event will also reflect on the recent World Table Tennis for Health Festival, focusing on legacy-building and future directions in integrating health and table tennis.
For more on the World Table Tennis for Health Congress, visit the ITTF Foundation’s website.