ITTF President Forges Key Alliances in Asia ahead of Major Championships
TOKYO/SEOUL – International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Petra Sörling recently concluded a series of high-level meetings in Japan and the Republic of Korea, solidifying partnerships crucial to the success of upcoming major events and the long-term advancement of the sport. The visits underscored collaborative efforts surrounding the 2028 World Team Championships Finals in Tokyo and preparations for the 2026 World Masters Championships in Gangneung, South Korea.
Sörling’s trip to Japan included discussions with the Japanese Table Tennis Association (JTTA) and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC). “The ITTF world Team championships Finals 2028 will be a milestone for our sport and a celebration of Japan’s table tennis tradition,” Sörling stated, expressing a commitment to a “world-class experience” for all involved. She met with newly-elected JOC President Hashimoto Seiko and Secretary General Ota Yuki, exploring how table tennis can contribute to the JOC’s Vision 2064 through development programs and additional international events hosted in Japan.
The visit also facilitated meetings with fellow International Federation presidents Morinari Watanabe and Lord Sebastian Coe. At Lord Coe’s invitation, Sörling attended the World Athletics Championships 2025, seeking insights into major-event operations and legacy planning applicable to table tennis.
Moving to Seoul, President Sörling and ITTF Secretary General Raul Calin participated in the 22nd International Paralympic Committee General Assembly and Conference, alongside nearly 400 representatives from 190 IPC member organizations. Sörling also engaged with Korean Sport and Olympic Committee President Ryu Seungmin and Korea Table Tennis Association President Lee Tae Sung, reviewing the successful legacy of the 2024 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in Busan.
“We all have vivid memories of our time in Busan last year,and the work of Korea Table Tennis has kept the momentum for our sport in the country,” Sörling commented.She highlighted strong early registration numbers for the 2026 World Masters Championships in Gangneung, noting that registrations had already reached 20 percent of expected participation within two months.
President Sörling is scheduled to continue her Asian tour with a visit to China to attend the WTT China Smash.
