As we commemorate International Women’s Day, being one of only four women leading an international Olympic federation, I wish to take this opportunity to reflect on my tenure as President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Gender equality is not just an ambition; it is a responsibility. At ITTF, we are accelerating action to ensure that all woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive in table tennis—whether as a player, coach, official, or leader. We are building a sport that truly belongs to everyone.

It has been a profound honour to serve our global community for one term, advocating for our sport and working devotedly to support our athletes throughout the world.
Since I announced my nomination for a second term on January 27th, I have been committed to engaging with all of you ahead of the upcoming election in Doha on May 27th. As the largest federation in the world, representing 227 member associations, I believe it is crucial to foster open dialogue as we navigate the future of table tennis together.

Throughout my first term, I had the privilege of traveling extensively to meet many of you, gathering essential feedback and insights that have informed our strategies at ITTF, WTT and our ITTF Foundation. Thus, collaboration is vital for us to continue adapting and evolving to effectively support our athletes.

Recently, we celebrated our commitment to sustainability through the first ever ITTF Sustainability forum where we could take good examples from manufacturers, member associations, continental federations, athletes and other important stakeholders. For those who didn’t attend there is still the chance to watch the recorded version. Together with innovations we ensure that our sport remains relevant and appealing to future generations. Additionally, prioritizing our active role within the Olympic and Paralympic movements remains essential as we strive for excellence.

I also encourage you to visit my website at www.petrasorling.se where you can find more information about my candidacy, including a comprehensive interview with David Eades, where we reflect on the achievements and momentum for table tennis over the past years.

As I prepare my manifesto for the upcoming election, I would greatly appreciate your input and ideas. Your insights are invaluable in enhancing our sport and enriching the experiences of our athletes.
I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to advance table tennis on the global stage. Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I am eager to connect with you in the forthcoming weeks.

“Together We Serve, Together We Rise! For the Love of Table Tennis”