The Executive Board of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) convened online on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, to discuss critical updates on upcoming events and ongoing strategic initiatives.
The Executive Board praised the work of the dedicated task force established during their previous meeting on 2 January 2025 to gather direct feedback on the event regulatory landscape. Over the past weeks, the task force consulted directly with players, coaches, Member Associations, entourage representatives, and manufacturers to ensure a comprehensive review before finalising its recommendations. The Executive Board welcomed and expressed support for WTT’s latest regulatory enhancements to the WTT Series.
ITTF Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Dainton also reported on the success of the recently concluded WTT Singapore Smash 2025 for which Board members express delight with the successful staging of WTT Singapore Smash 2025, which was hailed as the best-ever edition of the event, praising its outstanding organisation, high level of competition, spectator experience, and enthusiastic fan engagement. The event once again demonstrated the momentum that table tennis enjoys.
Board members also received a progress report on the preparations for the two new WTT Grand Smashes in the United States (3 – 13 July) and Europe (14 – 24 August), as well as the ITTF Singles World Cup Macao 2025 (14-20 April) and the ITTF World Championships Finals Doha 2025 (17-25 May. All events remain on track, with significant efforts being made to ensure their success. The Board reiterated the importance of these competitions in showcasing the sport at its highest level and engaging global audiences.
With the ITTF Summit 2025 scheduled to take place from 23 to 27 May 2025 in Doha, the Board also received updates on its organisation. The Summit, which will include the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the ITTF Council, is set to be a key moment for the global table tennis community. The Executive Board reviewed all Propositions and Resolutions submitted for consideration, ensuring a thorough and transparent process ahead of the AGM.
A financial update was provided, highlighting solid progress and a notable increase in revenue. In line with ITTF regulations, as well as Swiss and Singaporean laws, the Executive Board decided that the 2023 and 2024 financial statements will be released together prior to the AGM in Doha, Qatar.
The Board acknowledged the IOC’s announcement regarding the inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in Riyadh in 2027.President Sörling also reflected on her recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where she met with the newly elected President of the Saudi Table Tennis Federation, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. During their discussions, they reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the strategic development of Esports table tennis, following the success of the inaugural ITTF World Esports Championships last year in Helsingborg.
ITTF President Petra Sörling commented, “As we progress through 2025, our focus remains on delivering world-class events, enhancing governance, and fostering transparency in our operations. The ITTF Executive Board is committed to driving positive change, ensuring that the voices of athletes are considered and that table tennis continues to thrive globally.”