Table Tennis
ITTF INVITE CITIES TO BID TO HOUSE NEW HEADQUARTERS
BY MICHAEL PAVITT
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has invited cities to bid to house its new headquarters and also asks cities to become the location of the governing body’s headquarters, training centre and a high performance and development base.
The ITTF’s current headquarters are located in the Olympic capital Lausanne in Switzerland, while their Asia-Pacific office is based in Singapore.
The Singapore office is asserted to account for half of the ITTF’s 50 professional staff.
It is claimed that staff numbers are increase by 50 per cent in the coming years, leading to a search for a new “home of table tennis”.
The ITTF claim cities would benefit from global prestige, millions of dollars in turnover and the potential of hosting major sporting events should they be chosen as the location for their new headquarters.
“Whilst this is an objective for beyond 2019, the ITTF is already planning ahead to set up a true ‘home of table tennis,” said Steve Dainton, ITTF chief executive.
“All cities submitting bids will realise the exceptional opportunities available to them, not least raising their global profile and significant economic investments into their local communities.
“This won’t just be an office, but also a permanent base for our high performance and development strategy and state-of-the-art training facilities.
“The ultimate goal would be to have a mini museum, TTX tables and a retail store too.
“We want people to stop by and enjoy a game of table tennis as well.
“Hopefully this is the place that can help create the next stars of our sport.
“After all, we need to be nurturing a new generation of talent from different parts of the world to ensure an exciting future for table tennis and one which will attract more and more spectators and supporters from across the globe.
“The new ‘home of table tennis’ will go a long way to helping us achieve our long-term ambitions.”
The ITTF state while they are seeking a new headquarters to house its ever-increasing professional staff, an international training centre will also be created for its high performance and development projects.
The governing body claim cities will be helping to create and nurture stars of the future, while the centre would offer pathways for local table tennis talent to train with the best coaches and players in the world.
Local professionals would have opportunities to join on board as ITTF staff members and contribute directly to the sport’s continued global growth, the ITTF state.
Candidates will be required to be located within an international city and have space for the ITTF office to expand over time.
A minimum office space of 1,000 square metres, preferably developed specifically for the ITTF on vacant land, has also been outlined as a requirement.
Close proximity to an international airport is viewed as necessary given the ITTF’s global footprint, although with visa support to ensure staff from various countries are able to live and work within the country.
The deadline for expressions of interest will be April 15, with a concept and plan due to be submitted by August 31.
An evaluation period will follow from September 1 to December 31, prior to a decision being announced by the governing body.
The ITTF have claimed it is the best time to invest in table tennis, with upwards of 500 million people asserted to be playing the sport around the world.
Growth over the last 10 years in terms of commercial value, global participation and world-class events has also been claimed by the ITTF.
As part of their new strategic plan, the ITTF will hold all of its commercial rights heading into the next cycle in 2021.
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has elected Dr. Adesoji Tayo as its new president following the conclusion of the federation’s elective congress held in Abuja on Saturday, October 4.
Dr. Tayo, who previously served as Vice President of the federation, succeeds Ishaku Tikon, whose eight-year tenure came to an end after steering the affairs of Nigerian table tennis through two terms.
Chairman of the Oyo State Table Tennis Association, Dr. Tayo emerged unopposed after his main challenger, Khamisu Ahmed from Gombe State, stepped down and was subsequently named the new Vice President.
With his election, Dr. Tayo joins the growing ranks of passionate table tennis enthusiasts who have taken leadership roles in the sport’s administration.
He is expected to bring renewed energy and direction to the NTTF over the next four years, building on the developmental strides achieved under his predecessor.
The new leadership is anticipated to focus on grassroots development, international competitiveness, and strengthening state associations to sustain Nigeria’s rich legacy in the sport.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Following his last outing at the 2023 ITTF World Championships in Durban, South Africa, Taiwo Mati makes a return to Nigeria’s national team as the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) announces a 10-man squad for the 2025 ITTF African Championships, scheduled to take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from October 12 to 19.
The continental event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom—a landmark edition marking the centenary of the World Championships, which will return to the city where it all began in 1926.
Mati, who plays professionally in Europe, earned his spot after a strong performance at the 2025 West Regional Championships, where he finished among the top four, edging out Muiz Adegoke.
He joins a formidable lineup that includes Africa’s top-ranked player, Quadri Aruna; 2019 African Games gold medalist, Olajide Omotayo; two-time West African champion, Matthew Kuti; and rising talent Abdulbasit Abdulfatai.
Despite being one of Africa’s standout performers at Durban 2023, Mati had been absent from the national team for two years.
His semifinal finish at the regional tournament in Lagos last July marked a successful comeback for the left-handed star.
The women’s team features promising young players, including Favour Ojo, Aishat Rabiu, Kabirat Ayoola, and Sukurat Aiyelabegan. Veteran Ajoke Ojomu will lead the squad as captain in Tunis.
NTTF Vice President, Adesoji Tayo, emphasized the importance of early exposure for young athletes:
“We believe that exposing these young players to top-tier competitions will help them grow stronger and more confident. Competing against Africa’s best will prepare them to face global opponents. Most elite players began early, and we want our talents to follow that path.
With guidance from experienced coaches like Segun Toriola and Dotun Omoniyi, we’re optimistic they’ll gain valuable experience and deliver strong performances,” he said.
Top-performing teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will earn qualification for London 2026, the sport’s most prestigious stage.
In the men’s division, Nigeria and Egypt lead a competitive field that includes Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco.
The women’s competition will feature Egypt, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria, and host nation Tunisia.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Africa’s table tennis powerhouses, Nigeria and Egypt, will lead the charge for qualification to the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom, as the continent’s top teams converge in Tunis, Tunisia, for the 2025 ITTF African Championships from October 12 to 19.
London 2026 marks a historic centenary celebration, returning the World Championships to the city where it all began in 1926. The Tunis tournament serves as the official African qualification event, with the top-performing men’s and women’s teams securing their place on the sport’s grandest stage.
In the men’s division, Nigeria—West Africa’s dominant force—and Egypt—the North African powerhouse—will be joined by Tunisia, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Benin Republic, DR Congo, and Morocco.
The women’s field features Egypt, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Madagascar, DR Congo, Cameroon, South Africa, Angola, Algeria, and host nation Tunisia.
With London in sight, the battle for qualification will intensify during the final three days of the continental tournament, where all eyes will be on Nigeria and Egypt as they renew their storied rivalry.
According to the ITTF, London 2026 will feature 64 teams in both the men’s and women’s events—an expansion from the previous 40-team format. This growth reflects the global rise of table tennis and opens the door for more nations to compete at the highest level.
The tournament will unfold across two iconic London venues. The Copper Box Arena will host the opening rounds from April 28 to May 1, followed by the main draw at Wembley Arena from May 2 to 10, where the world’s elite will compete for the ultimate prize.
Each gender will see 64 teams divided into 16 groups of four, with round-robin matches determining progression. A key innovation in the format is the introduction of Stage 1a and Stage 1b:
Stage 1a features the top eight teams (seven highest-ranked plus host nation) split into two groups. All eight automatically advance, with group results determining seedings.
Stage 1b includes the remaining 56 teams across 14 groups. The 14 group winners and six best second-placed teams qualify directly. The remaining eight second-placed teams enter a preliminary knockout round, with four winners completing the 32-team main draw.
From the first serve at the Copper Box to the final point at Wembley, London 2026 promises to celebrate not only the present strength of global table tennis but also the remarkable journey that began in the same city a century ago.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers
- World Cup5 days ago
Osimhen Returns as Chelle Names 23-Man Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers