The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has reached a landmark milestone by signing Strategic Quadrennial Agreements (SQA) with the Continental Federations of Africa, Americas, Europe, and Oceania. These agreements signify a unified commitment to advancing table tennis across these regions over the next four years (2025-2028).
The signing ceremony took place on 7 December 2024 in Chengdu, China, with ITTF President Petra Sörling, ITTF-Africa President Wahid Oshodi, ITTF-Americas President Juan Vila, European Table Tennis Union President Pedro Moura, and ITTF-Oceania President Anthony Moore. The leaders expressed their enthusiasm and resolve to strengthen collaboration, build on past successes, and create new opportunities for growth and development in their respective regions.
“The Strategic Quadrennial Agreements mark a pivotal moment for our global table tennis family,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling. “By aligning our efforts and resources with the unique needs and aspirations of each continent and member associations, we can elevate the sport to new heights. These agreements reflect our shared vision for excellence, development and inclusivity in every corner of the world.”
The SQAs are designed to streamline cooperation between the ITTF and the Continental Federations, focusing on key areas including:
- Enhancing continental events to attract greater participation and visibility
- Promoting grassroots development to nurture the next generation of talent.
- Advancing commercialisation and professionalisation of table tennis activities.
- Fostering sustainability by implementing environmentally conscious practices and promoting long-term viability across all activities.
- Strengthening governance structures for greater efficiency and accountability.
- Expanding social responsibility initiatives through table tennis as a tool for positive change.
ITTF-Africa President Wahid Oshodi commented, “The objectives outlined in the SQA fully align with the vision and direction of the new Board of ITTF-Africa under my leadership. We look forward to working more closely with the ITTF to ensure these objectives are fully achieved in Africa.”
ITTF-Americas President Juan Vila commented, “We all are ITTF, and in the ITTF Americas, we look with enthusiasm and confidence to this quadrennial that will culminate with the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2028 in our Continent. Two of the key elements we want to boost in this period is the establishment of a permanent academy where our young talents can find all the necessary support to grow, and how to use technology to improve the training of our athletes, the capacitation of our coaches, and the engagement of our fans. We look forward to working very closely with the ITTF to achieve new heights.”
European Table Tennis Union President Pedro Moura commented, “This is a pivotal moment for the continuing cooperation between ITTF and ETTU with the sole purpose of the development and growing of our sport, as well as the implementation of ETTU Strategic Plan. We are very happy to have this agreement concluded before the end of the year allowing to immediately align our 2025 objectives with ITTF. I wish to thank ITTF general secretary and ITTF president for the extensive discussions allowing the conclusion of the SQA on time.”
ITTF-Oceania President Anthony Moore commented, “This is a significant milestone for ITTF-Oceania that has been many months in the making. I am grateful for ITTF’s support and in particular I would like to thank ITTF President Petra Sörling, ITTF CEO Steve Dainton, ITTF Secretary General Raul Calin and ITTF Sports Development Director Mikael Andersson for their belief in the direction we are taking. ITTF are our biggest and closest partner and we have full faith that together we can take table tennis to a higher level over the next four years and beyond.”
This collaborative framework underscores the ITTF’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and ensuring that table tennis continues to thrive globally while meeting the unique challenges and opportunities in each region.
