Dear Member Associations,

I am thrilled to share that the ITTF Hopes Programme returns in full force this year, with an expanded vision, a revitalised format, and a brand-new identity. From grassroots discovery to international excellence, Hopes has long been a gateway for the world’s brightest young talents.

In 2025, we reaffirm our dedication to this mission: a year-long talent pathway that supports U12 players at national, continental, and global levels. This journey will culminate in the World Hopes Week & Challenge in Sheffield, hosted by Table Tennis England at the prestigious English Institute of Sport. I extend my warmest congratulations and thanks to them for their commitment to youth development.

This is more than a programme, it’s a promise. One that I’ve carried every day as your President.

Over the past three years, participation in ITTF development activities has more than doubled. Together, we have expanded reach and nurture the next generation of players.

But this is just the beginning.

Thanks to a stronger financial outlook for the ITTF, we now have the opportunity –and the responsibility– to redistribute resources more equitably and accelerate development efforts across all 227 Member Associations.

During my second term, I pledge to:

• Schoolprojects: ITTF should work hard to support the MA’s and to ensure if possible that Table Tennis is included in the school system. We grow the numbers of our table tennis players by working dedicated and focused on promoting younger players to join our Sport and different school tournament, multi-games should be introduced.
• Mentoring programs: Should be developed and introduced in order for ITTF to support MA–MA cooperation and best practice in various areas.
• Launch a Digital ITTF Hub: A central platform for real-time tools, knowledge, and collaboration—accessible to every Member Association, anywhere in the world.
• Create a Global Digital Academy: Focused on coaches and players, offering world-class training content and accessibility to all, especially in developing areas.

My commitment to development is personal, practical, and unwavering. With your trust, we will continue to build a system where every young player, every coach, and every association has the opportunity to succeed.

Let us invest in the next generation to keep table tennis ahead.

Petra Sörling
President, ITTF

Read a more extensive report on the rebranded ITTF Hopes Program here.