Sowing the Seeds of Change: ITTF Foundation at the Global Table Tennis Gathering in Doha

From 15 to 27 May, the global table tennis community gathered in Doha, Qatar, for an extraordinary series of events — the ITTF Sports Science Congress, the ITTF World Championships Finals 2025, the ITTF Summit, and the ITTF Annual General Meeting. As the social responsibility arm of the ITTF family, the ITTF Foundation was proud to be present and active throughout this grand occasion, raising awareness, forging meaningful connections, and sharing our belief in table tennis as a powerful tool for social change.

Elevating TT4Health at the 17th ITTF Sports Science Congress

The event series in Doha opened with the ITTF Sports Science Congress on 15–16 May, where over 240 participants from 31 ITTF Member Associations across five continents joined both on-site and online. The ITTF Foundation contributed by presenting on our TT4Health initiatives, which use table tennis to support health and well-being, particularly among individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.

We provided a deep dive into:

• The World Table Tennis for Health Festival, our flagship event offering joy and connection for players with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s;
• The NeuroPong Handbook, which combines scientific insight and practical exercises for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions;
• The SWAN Project, an EU-funded Erasmus+ initiative promoting health through table tennis for those affected by Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing interest and inspiration from our work.

A Fan-Focused Presence at the Lusail Sports Arena

In the vibrant fan zone of the Lusail Sports Arena during the ITTF World Championships Finals, the ITTF Foundation set up an interactive booth to engage with visitors and showcase our mission and impact. Our booth featured a mini table tennis setup, hand-crafted crazy rackets, fun games, and Foundation pins, balls, and t-shirts.

From fans to coaches and Member Association representatives, visitors arrived daily, passionate to learn more about our work and how they could get involved. Conversations around Table Tennis for Sustainable Development sparked genuine interest and enthusiasm in creating change.

Our special thanks extend to Butterfly for sponsoring 100 high-quality t-shirts, which we offered as thank-you gifts to visitors who generously donated to support us. The shirts not only helped raise funds to boost our projects but also deepened the supporters' connection with our cause.

A Powerful Symbol at the World Championships

During the exhilarating ITTF World Championships Finals 2025, the ITTF Foundation’s logo proudly appeared on the sleeves of all French players, thanks to a collaboration with the French Table Tennis Federation (FFTT).

This symbolic yet powerful gesture underscored our shared commitment to leveraging the sport for positive social impact on the global stage. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to FFTT for this meaningful partnership.

Highlighting Table Tennis for Development at the ITTF Summit

The ITTF Summit, taking place on 22–27 May, offered another significant platform for engagement. During our dedicated Foundation session, we welcomed around 80 representatives from Member Associations and key stakeholders in the table tennis community, introducing them to the essence of Table Tennis for Development and guiding them in distinguishing it from the traditional concept of development of table tennis.

Through interactive activities, group discussions, and a project design exercise, attendees not only learned about the theory but also applied their insights by drafting their own TT for Development projects.

For many, it was their first deep dive into this topic. The feedback to this session was both enthusiastic and thoughtful, with participants expressing increased understanding and a desire to get involved in our initiatives.

Strengthening Industry and Community Connections

Alongside the Summit, some key side events further amplified our reach.

At the Federation of International Table Tennis Manufacturers (FIT) Congress, we introduced our mission and programmes to industry leaders, opening doors for future collaborations with equipment brands and manufacturers.

At the Swaythling Club International (SCI) Reception, a sponsorship agreement was signed to support the 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Congress in Helsingborg, Sweden. We thank SCI, who also supported our Foundation team with two players with Parkinson’s at the 2024 World Masters, for their continued commitment.

The agreement was signed by SCI President Claude Bergeret and Foundation Director Leandro Olvech and witnessed by the Foundation Ambassadors, Galia Dvorak, Sharath Kamal Achanta, and Zoran Primorac, reinforcing the community's belief in the unifying and transformative power of our sport.

Reflecting on our 2024 Impact at the Annual General Meeting

Finally, at the ITTF Annual General Meeting, where all Member Associations gathered and discussed the future of the table tennis world, the Foundation proudly shared our highlights and achievements from the past year.

Presenting across our three core programmes — TT4ALL, TT4Health, and TT Dream Building — we received strong, positive reactions and applause from the delegates. It was a moment of reflection, thankfulness, and renewed motivation for what’s to come.

Looking Ahead

Our time in Doha was incredibly rewarding, filled with inspiration, new connections, and shared passion for using table tennis to create positive change. We sincerely thank the International Table Tennis Federation and the local organising committee for making these events possible, allowing us to sow seeds of change for a better world. A big shout-out to everyone who visited our booth, joined our sessions, asked thoughtful questions, and donated to boost our cause! Your energy fuels our mission and journey.

As we look toward the upcoming initiatives in the second half of the year and new opportunities to advance social impact through table tennis, we remain committed to telling powerful stories and transforming lives. Until we meet again at the next global event, let’s keep playing, inspiring, and making a difference.