The With The Future In Mind program plays a crucial role in the ITTF Athletes Development Model, focusing on the identification, preparation, qualification, and education of promising young players. Through this initiative, the ITTF reaffirms its dedication to fostering the next generation of table tennis stars, ensuring they have access to essential training and educational opportunities.
This year, the scholarship has been awarded to a diverse group of talented athletes from various continents, reflecting the global nature of the sport. The selected players represent different backgrounds, cultures, and playing styles, further emphasizing the ITTF’s mission of inclusivity and global development of the sport.
8 players identified as the Hopes Team at last year’s World Hopes Week have been automatically awarded scholarships for the first time, to enable them to participate in international training camps and additional competitions. Besides them, 4 additional players from last year’s World Hopes have been considered, considering age, expert evaluation, global aspect, and, in the case of Olympic Solidarity-supported athletes, NOC eligibility.
These young talents have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and potential in their pursuit of excellence in table tennis. By receiving this scholarship, they will gain access to crucial development opportunities, including high-level training, competition exposure, and academic support, joining long-standing scholarship recipients, such as Hana Goda (EGY) and Izaac Quek (SGP), both of whom started their High Performance journey as Hopes players.
ITTF Sports Development Director Mikael Andersson emphasized the program’s importance, stating: “The With The Future In Mind scholarship is a testament to ITTF’s ongoing commitment to supporting and championing young talent across the globe. We believe that this year’s group of athletes will be instrumental in shaping the future of table tennis.”
ITTF remains dedicated to its mission of Table Tennis. For All. For Life. by investing in the sport’s next generation. Congratulations to all the 2025 scholarship recipients – the table is set for a bright future!