What Vision Does ITTF Chief Sorling Have for Global Table Tennis?
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Synopsis
Petra Sorling, in her bid for a second term as ITTF president, reveals her ambitious plans for the sport's growth, particularly with the mixed team event's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. Her vision focuses on collaboration, investment, and gender equality in table tennis, aiming to elevate the sport's prominence on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
- Petra Sorling is campaigning for a second term as ITTF president.
- The mixed team event is a significant addition to the 2028 Olympics.
- Her vision emphasizes gender equality and investment in the sport.
- Collaboration with national associations is vital for growth.
- Anticipation builds for the upcoming World Championships in Doha.
Beijing, May 16 (NationPress) In her pursuit of a second term as the president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Petra Sorling has articulated her vision for advancing the sport in the forthcoming years, particularly following the announcement of the mixed team event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Sorling will compete for the ITTF presidency against Mohamed El Hacen Ahmed Salem and Khalil Al-Mohannadi. Her manifesto emphasizes a future for table tennis grounded in three essential pillars: sharing the advantages of growth with members where it is most impactful; establishing the ITTF as a premier International Federation; and fostering the future through strategic investments in the sport.
With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board having approved the inclusion of the mixed team event for the 2028 Olympics in April, Sorling aims to elevate table tennis to be among the top eight sports in the Olympic lineup, alongside athletics, football, and basketball.
In a recent interview with international news agencies, Sorling expressed her long-standing desire to expand the number of Olympic table tennis events, a goal she pursued during her tenure with the Swedish Table Tennis Association, as reported by Xinhua.
“Sweden proposed the idea of hosting mixed team world championships at the 2021 ITTF AGM, which was received positively, leading to its initiation,” she reminisced.
“I then collaborated with friends from the Chinese Table Tennis Association to explore how this could materialize, resulting in the creation of the Mixed Team World Cup.”
After the success of the last two tournaments in Chengdu, the IOC sanctioned the mixed team event's addition to the Olympic program.
“The cooperation we witnessed in Chengdu was remarkable, with teams not just playing together but also strategizing collaboratively. It was a genuine representation of gender equality, not merely a theoretical concept,” she remarked.
“I would assert that the Mixed Team World Cup incentivizes our member associations to prioritize and invest in female table tennis.”
Sorling acknowledged that the swift inclusion of the mixed team event for LA28 exceeded her expectations, emphasizing it as a significant validation of the successful collaboration from the Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu and the 2021 proposition.
“LA28 will mark a new milestone with this event featuring as an Olympic discipline,” she stated.
She also highlighted her alignment with IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry on an athlete-centric philosophy.
“Kirsty brings a wealth of experience as an esteemed athlete but lacks the International Federation perspective that I possess. Her contributions from the athletes’ viewpoint are invaluable, and in table tennis, we also prioritize our athletes in all our initiatives,” she explained.
“I believe I can assist her in enhancing the International Federation's role in showcasing our sport, thereby fostering greater fan engagement which is crucial for elevating our game,” she explained.
When asked about her expectations for the upcoming ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Doha, commencing Saturday, Sorling expressed excitement but refrained from making predictions.
“Just weeks ago in Macao, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano clinched the men’s singles title. I anticipate it will be challenging for anyone to surpass China’s top two players in the men’s singles,” she noted. “Table tennis is a mental sport that hinges on meticulous preparation and tactics, so athletes must concentrate on their performance.”
“I’m thrilled about the event. While surprises are possible, predicting outcomes is not my forte,” she added with a smile.
“I can only say there was significant energy in the venue earlier today during practice, and with the opening ceremony set for Saturday, the competition is about to begin,” Sorling concluded.
Point of View
Petra Sorling's vision is not just about the sport but the athletes who embody it. Her focus on gender equality and strategic growth reflects a modern approach to sports leadership that resonates with today's audience. It’s crucial for the ITTF to embrace these changes to stay relevant and foster a more inclusive environment.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key pillars of Sorling's vision for ITTF?
Sorling's vision is built on three pillars: sharing growth benefits with members, securing ITTF's status as a leading International Federation, and making strategic investments in table tennis.
How does Sorling plan to promote gender equality in table tennis?
Sorling believes that the Mixed Team World Cup prioritizes resources for female table tennis and reflects genuine gender equality through collaborative team efforts.
What is the significance of the mixed team event in the 2028 Olympics?
The mixed team event's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics is a milestone for table tennis, showcasing its growth and the commitment to fostering inclusivity in the sport.
What outcomes does Sorling expect from the ITTF World Championships in Doha?
While Sorling anticipates exciting competition, she is cautious about predicting outcomes, emphasizing the mental and preparatory aspects of the sport.
How does Sorling view her collaboration with IOC president-elect?
Sorling sees her relationship with IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry as synergistic, combining athlete-centric views with the International Federation's perspective to enhance engagement.
