ITTF President & CEO Present Paris 2024 Torch to Shanghai Museum, Outline Future Vision
SHANGHAI - International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Petra Sörling and Chief Executive officer Steve Dainton recently concluded a visit to the ITTF Museum in Shanghai, delivering the official Paris 2024 Olympic Torch for permanent display. The presentation marks a significant addition to the museum’s collection and coincides wiht ongoing discussions to modernize the institution’s operations.
The visit underscores the ITTF’s commitment to preserving and promoting the sport’s rich history, particularly as the federation approaches its Centenary celebration next year.The Paris 2024 Torch symbolizes the ongoing legacy of table tennis and will serve as a focal point for fans, researchers, and players alike. Together, the ITTF is collaborating with its Shanghai-based operating partner to establish a renewed framework aimed at enhancing the museum’s impact and accessibility.
Welcomed by ITTF Honorary President Xu Yinsheng, Sörling and Dainton received a thorough tour highlighting the museum’s extensive exhibits, which chronicle the evolution of table tennis from its inception to the present day. The museum,established in 2018,houses a diverse collection of historic equipment,trophies,documents,and multimedia resources.
“The ITTF Museum safeguards our sport’s shared story,” stated President Sörling. “Adding the Paris 2024 torch is a powerful symbol of our growing legacy, and it is especially meaningful as the ITTF celebrates its Centenary next year.”
CEO Dainton emphasized the collaborative effort to elevate the museum’s role within the table tennis community. “This is a chance to build on what has been achieved,” he said.”By strengthening cooperation and refining roles and processes, we can enhance curation, accelerate digitisation, and create more value for our sport.”
The ITTF and its Shanghai partner are focused on improvements that will benefit fans, players, researchers, and the broader table tennis world, ensuring the museum remains a vibrant and valuable resource for generations to come.
