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Tag: ITTF

  • Oshodi re-elected ITTF VP

    Oshodi re-elected ITTF VP

    Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi has been re-elected as Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) during the continuation of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held online on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

    Former Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Secretary General Olabanji Oladapo, has also been confirmed as a member of the ITTF Council following the ratification of new Council Members.

    Oshodi, who serves as President of ITTF Africa, secured his seat in the first round of voting, which featured 15 candidates from around the world. 

    He finished among the top seven alongside representatives from the United States, China, Turkey, Australia, Ecuador, Romania, and Jordan. Among the three African contenders—Oshodi, Egypt’s Alaa Meshref, and South Africa’s Hajera Kajee—Oshodi was the sole candidate elected to the eight-member Vice President team.

    He and China’s Liu Guoliang are the only returning members from the outgoing executive board, with six newcomers set to join them.

    Oshodi will now serve a second four-year term (2025–2029) alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling, continuing his efforts to enhance Africa’s voice and influence on the global stage.

    A seasoned sports administrator, lawyer, and civil engineer, Oshodi has held several key leadership roles in Nigeria and across Africa. As Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development from 2011, he organised the 2012 National Sports Festival and oversaw major infrastructure projects.

    As President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation from 2013, he drove youth development initiatives and elevated the country’s international profile by hosting ITTF Challenger tournaments.

    Oshodi’s ascent in continental leadership began in 2016 when he became Vice President of ITTF Africa (Western Region). He later rose to Deputy President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) in 2021 and was elected President in 2024, championing broader access and participation in the sport across Africa.

    With his re-election, Oshodi is set to continue shaping the global development of table tennis while reinforcing Africa’s position within the ITTF.

  • Expectations  as NTTF selects squad for  ITTF Africa Hopes Challenge

    Expectations  as NTTF selects squad for  ITTF Africa Hopes Challenge

    For five days, 25 cadet players from across Nigeria have been rigorously training at the National Stadium in Lagos during the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)-organised National Hopes Week.

    This event combines extensive training with competitive matches to select the squad that will represent Nigeria at the 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, scheduled for July in Lagos.

    The exercise, which began on April 2, climaxes  today with the announcement of a four-member squad comprising two boys and two girls who will form the Nigerian contingent for the continental challenge.

    Supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and ITTF Africa, the National Hopes Week was conducted by ITTF-certified coaches. These coaches provided the selected players with valuable knowledge and experience to aid their development.

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    During the one-week training, the players were introduced to basic techniques and tactics in table tennis. The youth coaches, led by Ifeoma Isaac, praised the initiative.

    “I must commend the leadership of NTTF for organizing this training for the U-12 players, particularly focusing on new techniques in table tennis. We realized that the players lacked footwork and backhand skills. Over the last six days, we have trained them and hope that such exercises will be regular to help the players continue improving their game for the benefit of the country,” Isaac said.

    Coach Ganiyu Kadiri also acknowledged the impact of the training camp, expressing satisfaction with the players’ response. “I am particularly thrilled with the players’ enthusiasm during the training. This enthusiasm is crucial when learning new skills and makes our work as coaches easier. We are confident that regular training, rather than one-off exercises, will help our players compete on par with their international counterparts in major tournaments,” Kadiri noted.

    Some players shared their experiences, commending the NTTF and ITTF Africa for creating the platform. They believe the training program will significantly enhance their skills.

    The 2025 ITTF Africa Hopes Week & Challenge is a platform for young table tennis players, and it is a crucial event in nurturing the next generation of African talent, developing skills, and preparing players for continental and World Hopes Week competitions.

  • ITTF Africa line-up  exciting table tennis  tournaments for 2025

    ITTF Africa line-up  exciting table tennis  tournaments for 2025

    The newly constituted executive council of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), under the leadership of Wahid Enitan Oshodi, is set to kick off 2025 with an exciting array of events.

    According to ITTF  Africa ,this year promises to be a thrilling year for table tennis enthusiasts across the continent.

    With three major continental events scheduled for 2025, African players will have numerous opportunities to compete in regional tournaments and world championships, showcasing their skills against top players from other continents.

    The year begins in February with Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Dina Meshref defending their titles at the 2025 Africa Cup in Tunis, Tunisia.

     From February 25 to 27, some of Africa’s best players will gather in the Tunisian capital for this prestigious event.

    Additionally, five regional tournaments will be hosted in various locations: Nigeria (West), Madagascar (East), Namibia (South), Congo Brazzaville (Central), and Tunisia (North).

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    In July, the continental spotlight shifts to Lagos, Nigeria, for the African Youth Championships (AYC). This event will also see the debut of the African Youth Cup, a new tournament for young players.

    Oshodi emphasized the importance of the AYC, expressing his delight at seeing young table tennis players participate in major competitions across Africa.

     “The players need to do what they need to do to improve their games,” Oshodi said. “They cannot continue to play against each other and believe they can improve. We have world tour events all over Africa. The African Table Tennis Federation will assist the best young players from the continent. The African Youth Championships will be held for the first time in Nigeria in July,” he said.

    Towards the end of the year, in October, Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, will host the African Senior Championships, welcoming players from across the continent.

    Other notable events include the WTT Youth Contender tournaments in Tunisia and Egypt, as well as the WTT Contender Series in Lagos and Tunis in July and October. Cairo, Egypt, will also host the para stars for the African Championships.

    This year promises to be engaging and competitive for African players as they vie for honours in various colourful tournaments worldwide.

  • ITTF fêtes Toriola, Oshonaike over Olympics’ Club Seven

    ITTF fêtes Toriola, Oshonaike over Olympics’ Club Seven

    As part of the countdown to  the table tennis event of the Paris 2024, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has yet again celebrated  Nigeria’s duo of Segun Toriola and Olufunke Oshonaike  along with three others for competing in seven previous Olympic Games.

    The exclusive list also include Jean-Miche Saive of Belgium, Swedish star Jörgen Persson and Croatia’s Zoran Primorac.

    The world table tennis ruling body noted in a statement that the Olympic Games is a breeding ground for legends but within this elite company, exists an even more exclusive circle – Club 7.

    “These aren’t your average Olympians; they are the table tennis titans who have defied age, competition, and the odds to compete a staggering seven times on the grandest sporting stage,” noted ITTF. “Seven Olympic appearances is a testament to an athlete’s unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. These players have dedicated years of relentless training, honing their skills to compete at the highest level.” 

    “With the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the legendary Timo Boll is poised to join this elite club, further solidifying Club 7’s status as a mark of true table tennis greatness”.

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    Oshonaike, the only female in the Club Seven , featured at the Olympic Games in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.

    “As a true trailblazer, Oshonaike isn’t just the only woman in Club 7, she’s also the first African female player ever to achieve this feat. Her unwavering determination and fierce spirit have not only seen her represent Nigeria at every Olympics since Atlanta 1996 but also inspired countless young athletes across the continent,” ITTF stated.

    For Toriola, the world body said the African Games table tennis record holder featured at the Olympic Games in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 set the pace for others to follow and he has been joined in the Club 7 by Oshonaike as a pioneer for African table tennis.

    “Toriola wasn’t just a phenomenal player, but a history-maker. His exceptional footwork and powerful forehand helped him become the first African to reach the Men’s Singles quarterfinals at the Olympics (Beijing 2008), solidifying his place as a Nigerian sporting legend,” the world body stated.

    Others in the league of Club 7 include Jean-Michel Saive of Belgium who attended the Olympic Games in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

    Legendary Swedish star Jörgen Persson, described as an epitome of cool and collected, also competed at the Olympic Games in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012.  Croatia’s Zoran Primorac who represented both Yugoslavia and Croatia throughout his career, also joined the league of Club 7 having featured at the Olympic Games in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

    “These are the gladiators who’ve graced the Olympic stage for seven editions. Their unwavering passion and dedication inspire not just table tennis players, but athletes across the globe. While some may not have secured that elusive Olympic medal, their achievements in reaching the pinnacle of the sport seven times over deserve immense recognition. They are the Club 7, and their legacy in table tennis is forever secured,” the statement added.

  • African teams crumble on opening day of 2024 ITTF WTTC

    African teams crumble on opening day of 2024 ITTF WTTC

    It was not a good start for African teams in the opening matches of the 2024 Busan ITTF World Championships as Algeria, South Africa, and Madagascar tasted defeats in the men’s and women’s events of the first World Championships taking place in South Korea.

    Algeria teams were beaten 3-0 by Chile and Austria.

    Algerian ladies’ trio of Amina Kessaci, Lynda Loghraibi, and Malissa Nasri were no match to their Chilean counterparts while South African who came as replacements for Tunisia were also beaten by Iran 3-0 in their opening match.

    The Algerian men’s team led by experienced Mehdi Bouloussa also fell 3-0 to Austria. The youthful team of Madagascar could not withstand the experience of the Czech Republic as the team fell 1-2 to the European side in their opening group match.

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    Following the withdrawal of Quadri Aruna coupled with the late arrival of Bode Abiodun, Nigeria were walked over by Japan in their opening match of the competition.

    This development also put Nigeria in a tight corner as only two players will be available for the competition.

    Egypt will start their campaign against Romania Saturday while their female team will take on the Czech Republic.

  • Nigeria confirmed for 2024 ITTF  World Championships

    Nigeria confirmed for 2024 ITTF  World Championships

    Nigeria will have another shot at qualifying for the team event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) confirmed the country  along with 39 others for the 2024 World Team Championships taking place in Busan, South Korea.

    The Quadri Aruna-captained side lost the continental sole ticket to Egypt at the 2023 African Championships in Tunis, and they will be aiming to pick the ticket to Paris when the 2024 World Championships take place at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO) from February 16 to 25, 2024.

    Nigeria’s last appearance in the team event of the Olympic Games was at Rio 2016 while Egypt represented Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. According to ITTF, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Madagascar are Africa’s representatives in the men’s event while Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Mauritius will fly the continent’s flag in the women’s category.

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    The unveiling of the participating teams coincides with the 100-day countdown to the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 while the staging of the tournament marks Korea Republic’s first-ever hosting of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals, a long-awaited milestone that promises a unique experience for fans and a chance to celebrate Korea Republic’s place in table tennis history.

    The 2024 ITTF World Championships will also serve as a qualifier event for Paris 2024, adding an extra layer of significance to this prestigious competition.

     “Busan 2024 marks a truly remarkable moment as Korea Republic steps into the spotlight, hosting its inaugural ITTF World Championships Finals,” said Petra Sörling, ITTF President. “With Korea Republic’s enduring legacy in the sport, we have full faith in the Korea Table Tennis Association (KTTA) to deliver an exceptional event that not only showcases top-tier competition but also with a sustainable approach and mind-set in the delivery of the event as well as the warm hospitality of Busan.”

  • ITTF President elected as IOC Member  

    ITTF President elected as IOC Member  

    President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Petra Sörling has been elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 141st  IOC Session held in Mumbai, India.

    With this development, Sörling is the first President of the ITTF to ascend to the esteemed position of an IOC Member, marking a historic chapter for table tennis.

    In response, Sörling said: “I am deeply humbled and grateful to have been elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee. This is not just an honour but also a significant responsibility that I am ready to embrace.

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    “This is even more momentous as this is the first time for the International Table Tennis Federation to see its President become an IOC Member, making this a historic chapter for our sport as well. As I step into this new role, I am driven by my passion for sport. I grasp the magnitude of this role; I am committed to undertake the responsibilities it brings, and to dedicate myself every day to make a meaningful contribution to the Olympic Movement and our global community.

    “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to President Thomas Bach, to fellow members of the IOC, the IOC Executive Board, the IOC Members Election Commission, and the table tennis community for their unwavering support. Together, we will work to strengthen the Olympic Movement, promote sustainability, champion diversity, and continue to inspire the next generations with the Olympic values. Let us make the world a better place and foster positive changes with sport.”

    Her election comes after the IOC Executive Board proposed eight new IOC Members on September 8, 2023, following the recommendation of the IOC Members Election Commission.

  • Nigeria triumphs at Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open

    Nigeria triumphs at Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open

    Hosts – Nigeria carted home all the medals at stake at the Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open to dominated visiting India, Uganda, Benin Republic, South Africa, and Togo.

    The three-day tournament which has now been sanctioned by ITTF as a Factor 20 World Ranking event was concluded at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium at the weekend.

    Majority of the Paris 2024 Paralympics-bound athletes dominated their various events with Bolawa Akingbemisilu being the most successful athlete at the tournament.

    Akingbemisilu who is the African champion in class five enjoyed success in the singles, while he partnered Egbinola Oluade to gold in men’s doubles class 4-8 and Chineye Obiora to the top prize in mixed doubles class 10.

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    Success in the men’s doubles also meant that Oluade departed with two titles, having won the men’s singles class 1-3.

    Likewise, it was two titles for Abiola Adesope and Temitore Adris; as Adesope partnered Aishat Raji to mixed doubles class 20 gold, having prevailed in men’s singles class 6-7.

    Rather differently, Temitope Idris proved the ideal partner. She joined forces with Precious Okafor to win women’s doubles class 14-20 and allied with Tajudeen Agunbiade to claim the mixed doubles class 14-17 title.

    Success for Adesope meant he repeated his feat of the previous month when he had emerged successful at the ITTF Africa Para Championships in Egypt and had thus booked his place in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

    It was the same outcome for his compatriots. In the men’s singles Isau Ogunkule won class 4, Kayode Alabi prevailed in class 6, Victor Farinloye emerged the victor in class 8, Alabi Olufemi succeeded in class 10.

    Not to be overshadowed, in the women’s singles, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi maintained her Egypt form to claim the class 4-5 title.

    Meanwhile, in the remaining women’s singles events, there were successes for players trying to establish themselves on the international stage. Nosimot Ganiu won class 1-3, Kafayat Olaitan succeeded in class 6-8, Maryam Popoola in class 9-10.

    In the one remaining title, Agunbiade and Francis Chukwuemeka claimed gold in men’s doubles class 14-18.

  • Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open serves off in style

    Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open serves off in style

    The Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium will come alive from today  as some of the best players in the world converge for the 2023 Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open.

    Being the only ITTF Fa20 tournament in Sub-Saharan Africa, players from India, Kenya, Uganda, Benin Republic, Togo, South Africa including hosts – Nigeria are aiming for points ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France.

    According to ITTF Para Events and Classification Manager Pablo Perez, the tournament would help players to shore up their ranking points in their bid to pick their tickets to Paris 2024.

    “This is one of the ideals of ITTF to ensure that the tournament takes place across the globe and Nigeria being one of the major force in Africa has taken the bull by the horn to stage this tournament that will help players from Sub-Saharan Africa to compete not only to garner points but to improve themselves. There is no doubt that Nigeria is a strong force in para table tennis and now that the tournament has become Factor 20 in the ITTF calendar, we hope and believe that more players will come to compete in it in near future,” Perez said.

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    For this year’s tournament, Perez believes it would give more new players from the region and Nigeria to test their might against some of the experienced players in Africa and the world.

    Singles, mixed doubles, and doubles evented will be competed for at the three-day tournament and some of Nigeria’s finest players that had already booked their tickets to Paris will be competing for the first time after the African Championships in Egypt last month.

    Chairman, Para Division of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) Anderson Bankole is particularly excited with the turnout of teams as well as the presence of ITTF officials to confirm the huge support Nigeria is getting from the world body.

    Bankole, who is the Para Committee Chairman of African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) believes more talents would emerge through the tournament while promising an exciting tournament in Lagos.

    Among the players expected to be in action include Commonwealth Games medalists – Isau Ogunkunle, Faith Obazuaye, Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi and player-coach Nasiru Sule.

  • India, South Africa, Kenya, others for Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open

    India, South Africa, Kenya, others for Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open

    Paris 2024 Paralympic Games-bound athletes are among the top stars that will compete at the 2023 Valuejet ITTF Lagos Para Open which serves off on Thursday October 12 to Saturday 14 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    Also, Commonwealth Games champion India, Kenya, Uganda, Benin Republic, Togo, South Africa and hosts – Nigeria are among the teams listed for the three-day ITTF sanctioned Factor 20 event.

    Speaking at the press conference held yesterday, Chairman of the LOC, Sunday Odebode said the tournament has received the full sanction by the world table tennis ruling body while the tournament has helped to unearth more top stars for Nigeria.

    Specifically, Odebode said that most of the athletes that qualified for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at the recent African Championships held in Giza, Egypt are products of the tournament while more players would emerge as majority of them are now been classified by ITTF.

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    “We are so happy that the tournament is now Factor 20 on ITTF calendar, which means players aiming to qualify for the Paralympic Games can come and compete and pick the necessary points to shore up their ranking. Now that it is fully sanctioned by ITTF, we are hopeful that more countries will identify with the tournament in near future. For this year, we have six countries including Nigeria competing and we are going to have the singles, mixed doubles and doubles events to prepare the players ahead of the Paralympic Games,” Odebode who is also the President of Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) said.

    In his remarks, ITTF Para Events and Classification Manager Pablo Perez lauded the organisers of the annual tournament as an avenue to develop the players and the sport.

    For the Head of Business Development, Valuejet, Temitope Ajijola, the company would continue to support para sport especially with the impressive display of the athletes in Egypt where nine of them picked their tickets to Paris 2024.