Credit: WTT.
The World Team Table Tennis Championships open this Tuesday in London. A landmark event, one hundred years after the very first World Championships in the history of the sport, also held in the British capital. The president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Petra Sörling, speaks to Francs Jeux in a two-part interview before this long-awaited meeting.
How do you feel about celebrating the centenary of table tennis?
This is an inspiring moment, one that also fills us with a profound sense of responsibility. To see a sport born from such humble beginnings become a global institution played in 227 member federations is truly extraordinary. We look back with pride to our beginnings in London in 1926. We have grown together thanks to our shared passion and our unwavering belief that table tennis can offer the world an accessible, inclusive, and infinitely rewarding sport at all levels. But above all, returning to our birthplace for this centenary gives us a rare opportunity to ask ourselves bold questions about the next 100 years. The ambition and momentum that currently drive the table tennis family give me immense confidence that the best is yet to come.
You keep saying that in addition to celebrating these 100 years, you are preparing for the next 100 years. Where do you want table tennis to be in 2126?
We don't just ask ourselves, "What kind of table tennis do we want to offer the next generation?" but rather, "What kind of table tennis will the next generation demand?" The essence of our sport has remained remarkably constant for a century: a table, a paddle, and a ball. It's simple, tangible, and real. However, in a world reshaped by AI and digital immersion, we cannot assume that the next 100 years will mirror the last 100. Today, young people often discover the sport through a screen before ever setting foot in a hall. While it's impossible to predict what 2126 will be like, we have a clear vision for the next decade. By embracing this digital transition now, we are securing our place as a modern, leading international federation.
What would be the ultimate goal?
Ultimately, I would love to see table tennis integrated into school curricula worldwide. It is the ultimate "sport for life," promoting physical health, mental agility, and social cohesion. Of course, there is still much work to be done, but by working closely with our 227 member federations, anything is possible. Thanks to the collective efforts of the table tennis family, we are stronger than ever. If we maintain this level of collaboration, I am confident that we will make table tennis a leading Olympic sport.
Speaking of digital transition, you announced a few months ago the second edition of the ITTF eSports World Championships in Riyadh. Do you have any details on the dates and format?
I can't say too much yet, but I will simply say that esports is a cornerstone of our future strategy. With a global audience exceeding 600 million people, we understand that to remain relevant worldwide, we must continue to innovate. Engaging with the esports community is essential to attracting a younger audience and ensuring the continued growth of the table tennis brand globally. We will announce the dates and more details very soon.
