ITTF Partnerships Strengthened in Japan and Korea
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ITTF President Sörling Strengthens Ties with Japan and Korea Republic
Table of Contents
A recent East Asian tour by ITTF President Petra Sörling focused on bolstering cooperation with key national stakeholders and the Olympic community, particularly regarding the 2028 World Team Table tennis Championships.
Strengthening Partnerships in Japan
ITTF president Petra Sörling recently concluded a productive tour of Japan and Korea Republic, aiming to deepen collaboration with national table tennis associations and Olympic committees. The visits underscore the ITTF’s commitment to growth, governance, and delivering exceptional events.
President Sörling’s two-day program in Tokyo began with a warm welcome from Masaya Kawata, President of the Japan Table tennis Association (JTTA), Vice President Ichiro Hoshino, and ITTF Executive vice President Masahiro Maehara. Discussions centered on Japan’s longstanding contribution to table tennis and the strong relationship between the JTTA and the ITTF.
A key focus of the talks was the upcoming ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals 2028, scheduled to be held in Fukuoka. JTTA officials confirmed that preparations are well underway, and President Sörling expressed high expectations from the global table tennis community for a successful return to Japan.
“The ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2028 will be a milestone for our sport and a celebration of Japan’s table tennis tradition,” President Sörling stated. “We look forward to working closely with JTTA to provide a world-class experience for players, fans, and partners.”
Collaboration with the Japanese Olympic Committee
Beyond the JTTA, President Sörling also engaged with the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC). She met with newly-elected JOC President Hashimoto Seiko and Secretary General Ota Yuki, gaining insights into the JOC’s Vision 2064 – a long-term strategy aiming to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Osaka in 2064.
Discussions explored how table tennis can contribute to the JOC’s vision and enhance its role within the broader Olympic movement. this included potential initiatives to promote youth engagement and develop innovative table tennis programs aligned with the JOC’s long-term goals.
Advancing Table Tennis in Korea Republic
Following Japan, President Sörling traveled to Korea Republic, continuing her dialog with national stakeholders.While specific details of the Korea Republic meetings haven’t been released, the ITTF emphasized the importance of the Korea Table Tennis Association (KTTA) as a valued member of the global table tennis family.
Korea Republic has a rich history in table tennis,consistently producing world-class players and hosting successful international tournaments. The visit aimed to reinforce the ITTF’s support for KTTA’s development programs and explore opportunities for joint initiatives.
Ancient Context: Korea has won multiple Olympic medals in table tennis, including three golds. The nation consistently ranks among the top contenders in major international competitions.