SCI Mag No.120 by SwaythlingClub

Issue No.120 / January 2026

SWAYTHLING https://swaythlingclub.org

AT H L E T E T O ADMINISTRATOR A n ew ro l e fo r Z o ra n P r i m o ra c

Divyanshi Bhowmick ● Albin Ingeström ● Mima Ito ● Thierry Miller ● Ahmed Saleh ● Ross Wilson

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SWAYTHLING Issue No.120 / January 2026

CONTENTS=

“After seven Olympic Games and years leading the Croatian Table Tennis Association, I understand both the athletes’ and the administrators’ perspectives” Zoran Primorac Editor & Design: Ian Marshall Sub Editor: Richard Scruton Statistics: Günther Angenendt, Matt Solt Contributors: Claude Bergeret, Divyanshi Bhowmick, Rahul Bhowmick, Tim Boggan, Francesca Bullock, Alica Chládeková-Grofová, Geovanny Coello, Scott Houston, Albin Ingeström, Miran Kondric,

Zdenko Kriz, Thierry Miller, Leandro Olvech, Sean O’Neill, Jill Parker, Pei-Ching Ko, Zoran Primorac, Ahmed Saleh, Nils-Erik Sandberg, Richard Scruton, Paul Stimpson, Ross Wilson, World Table Tennis

Olvech, Pei-Ching Ko, Mike Rhodes, Manfred Schillings, Stag, Table Tennis England, World Table Tennis, Ye Nan

Photographs: Malcolm Anderson, Rahul Bhowmick, Butterfly, Colin Clemett, Rémy Gros, International Table Tennis Federation, Richard Kalocsai, Zdenko Kriz, Per Hallström, Michael Loveder, Leandro

Swaythling Club International Executive Committee: Claude Bergeret (President), Reto Bazzi (Deputy President), Jordi Serra (Secretary), Richard Scruton (Treasurer), Zdenko Kriz, Lilamani de Soysa, Gloria Wagener

Published by: Swaythling Club International

CELEBRATION A momentous year ahead

ATHLETE TO ADMINISTRATOR Zoran Primorac relishes new role

DEFINING YEAR Divyanshi Bhowmick enjoys success

ROCK SOLID Ahmed Saleh as reliable as ever

RETIREMENT REJUVENATES SWISS STAR Positive approach from Thierry Miller

ROSS WILSON RETIRES Injuries the deciding factor

GREEK STAR SWEDISH INSPIRATION Albin Ingeström developing his own style

FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING Czechia and Slovakia in unity

CENTENARIAN EDNA FLETCHER HAS A VERY SPECIAL VISIT FROM JAPANESE STAR Landmark birthday

OCEANIA DEVELOPMENT Visits to remote Pacific islands

ITTF FOUNDATION World Health Festival proves successful

SWAYTHLING CLUB NEWS Joe Veselsky marks 107th birthday

WE REMEMBER Chuck Hoey and Gorazd Vecko

IN FOCUS Tournament review for October to December January 2026 SWAYTHLING 3

Celebration

Claude Bergeret, President of the Swaythling Club International, looks forward to 2026 and a time of celebration, the focus on London as we mark 100 years since the International Table Tennis Federation was formed and the first World Championships staged

The festive season over but more than Christmas and New Year on the list of celebrations; as 2025 came to a close ITTF member associations marked their centenaries, Germany on Saturday 29th November, two weeks earlier Czechia and Slovakia on Saturday 15th November. Convivial events presented a chance to remember and honour past athletes, coaches and officials, preserving the history of our sport, a core mission of the Swaythling Club International. At the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships Finals in London (Tuesday 28th April - Sunday 10th May) the international table tennis community will celebrate 100 years. I hope many of you can join us for these special moments. We will soon share the ticket application process for Swaythling Club members. In order to add to the occasion we plan to launch a book, “History of the World Veteran and Masters Championships from Gothenborg 1982 to Rome 2024”. We have given the difficult task to write this book to one of our members, Mrs Diane Webb, wife of our late former secretary Harvey Webb and also the not easy graphic designer job to Ian Marshall. I warmly thank them for having accepted the challenge. It is anticipated the book will have some 120 pages, four pages per event, appendices, results, photos and anecdotes. It will be published on the Swaythling Club International website as well as in printed form (number of copies depending on the interest shown). A pre-order form for hard copy will be soon available. I hope you will be proud to add this book to your personal library. We are pleased to announce 55 new members this year, but we need your help to promote the club and attract more friends to join. We are proud to have all of you with us and hope you feel proud to be part of our unique association. I am sure that many of you who read our magazine may become members. Do not hesitate to contact us! Our development activities this year have been somewhat reduced owing to unfortunate political problems within the International Table Tennis Federation. Now, as the situation is becoming normal again, we will restart all our projects next year, that means within a few days. A happy new year to all. 4 SWAYTHLING January 2026

EDITORIAL

LEFT At the 2023 ITTF Annual General Meeting in Amman, staged as part of the inaugural Summit, on Thursday 24th August Petra Sörling, ITTF President, announced London as the host for the centennial 2026 World Team Championships Finals

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ATHLETE TO ADMINISTRATOR Zoran Primorac enjoyed a long and illustrious playing career, always displaying a hunger for success; now the appetite to achieve is just the same but the menu somewhat different 6 SWAYTHLING January 2026

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RIGHT Members of the ETTU Executive Committee elected at the Congress in Linz on Monday 21st October 2024 left to right Zoran Primorac, Heike Ahlert, Ina Jozepsone, Chiara Colantoni, Pedro Moura, Sandra Deaton, Sonja Grefberg, Didier Leroy, Jaroslaw Kolodziejzyk RIGHT Zoran Primorac salutes success at the 1999 World Championships in Eindhoven

What motivates you to take an administrative role such as President or Executive Committee member? I’m motivated to take an administrative role because I want to give back to the sport that shaped my life. After seven Olympic Games and years leading the Croatian Table Tennis Association, I understand both the athletes’ and the administrators’ perspectives. I want to use my experience to strengthen our sport through transparency, athlete-centred decisions and sustainable growth for European and international table tennis. What are your reactions to the recent European Championships? The European Championships in Zadar were very successful, everything was well organised and the atmosphere was good. The local team, volunteers, and the Croatian Table Tennis Association worked hard with passion. Players, coaches and officials were happy with the event, the hall, logistics, and hospitality were 8 SWAYTHLING January 2026

excellent. The only thing missing was more spectators; we hoped for a bigger crowd, but those who came created a nice atmosphere. It was an important milestone; hosting such events not only raises visibility but also inspires the next generation of players. How do you see the current situation regarding table tennis in Croatia? Table tennis in Croatia is in a transitional phase. We have several experienced players who are still competing at a high level, and at the same time we are investing a lot of effort in developing young talents. The challenge is to build a stronger structure at grassroots level, because table tennis is competing with bigger sports such as football, basketball, and tennis for young athletes. How can Croatia strengthen its position on the international stage? We are also focusing on improving coaching

Heart and Soul of Croatia Exploring the options when playing days in the international arena are over, seeking the political route is not the most favoured path, but of course there are always exceptions, one of the most notable is Zoran Primorac, a member of the Swaythling Club International. Amongst a host of accolades, winner of the Men’s World Cup in 1993 in Guangzhou and four years later in Nîmes, Primorac was elected President of the Croatian Table Tennis Association in December 2022. Later at the 2024 European Championships in Linz, he was voted a member of the European Table Tennis Union’s Executive Committee. Overall, alongside Jörgen Persson and Jean-Michel Saive, he competed in the first seven Olympic Games that witnessed table tennis in the itinerary; his distinction being that he is the only member of the illustrious triumvirate to have won a medal at the prestigious gathering. Partnering Ilija Lupulesku, the duo secured men’s doubles bronze in 1988. Furthermore, he almost made it eight in number; at the 2016 Olympic Qualification Tournament staged in Halmstad earlier in the year from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th April, he came so near to gaining a place in Rio de Janeiro. The following week at the ITTF World Tour Polish Open, held from Wednesday 20th to Sunday 24th April, he bid farewell to the international arena. He continued to compete at club level for UMMC in Yekaterinburg, before later assuming the role of coach and then manager, eventually leaving in February 2022.

Players, coaches and officials were happy with the event, the hall, logistics, and hospitality were excellent

High level international play for a period of over three decades, vast experience is an obvious quality he possesses but there is more. Always he is “Zoki”, the use of the nickname is one that immediately signals friendship, anyone feels at ease in his company, he speaks well, giving constructive opinions.

Overall, while there are challenges in terms of infrastructure and popularity, I am optimistic. With consistent work, stronger programmes for young players, and by showcasing table tennis through big events, Croatia can gradually

Surely, that fact is the overriding quality, without doubt Zoki is the heart and soul of Croatia.

standards and creating more opportunities for children to train. Our collaboration with Shanghai University is an example of how we are bringing international expertise to Croatia, both to help our players and to educate our coaches.

Above all he is fiercely patriotic, a fact underlined in November 1996 at the last ever staging of the ITTF World All Stars Circuit; the young lady at the check-in desk at Taipei airport questioned whether there was such a country as Croatia; it was soon after the breakup of Yugoslavia. If ever the wrong question was asked to the wrong person, that was the supreme occasion!

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ABOVE LEFT Ivana Malobabić, now 46 years old, surprised Zoran Primorac by qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Sporting goals must remain the top priority, rather than chasing money at the expense of preparation and training. strengthen its position in European and world table tennis.

very well. She is a great example to young players of how to love and respect the sport.

Which Croatian players of the present day impress you? Ivana Malobabić is an incredible fighter, despite her age. She surprised everyone by qualifying for the Paris Olympics, where she performed

What are your ambitions for Croatian table tennis in the next few years? We have launched a programme to introduce table tennis to children as early as kindergarten. It is a big challenge to attract kids to our sport

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while competing with football, tennis, basketball, and handball. Overall, how do you see the future of table tennis in Europe? Europe needs to work together and build closer relationships among its strongest nations. Sharing knowledge is crucial if we want to keep pace with China and other Asian countries. Sporting goals must remain the top priority, rather than chasing money at the expense of preparation and training. Looking worldwide, which modern day players catch your eye? I admire Hugo Calderano for his physical ability

and versatility. I also find Félix Lebrun and Truls Moregard very exciting to watch because they bring unique playing styles that are different from most others. What are your overall recommendations? In the future, we should work more on getting fans involved, especially young people, through social media and online platforms.

ABOVE RIGHT Zoran Primorac, overall pleased with the 2025 European Team Championships in Zadar

It’s also important to help host associations early in the planning, so every event is well prepared and brings long-term benefits. If we do that, European table tennis will become even stronger. January 2026 SWAYTHLING 11

Defining Year Pivotal, in time to come when she looks back, will India’s Divyanshi Bhowmick consider 2025 the most defining year of her career? Certainly, it has been her most successful to date and has underlined the fact that she is more than a match for any female player of her generation

Divyanshi Bhowmick en route to bronze in the under 15 girls’ singles event at the 2025 ITTF World Youth Championships 12 SWAYTHLING January 2026

DIVYANSHI BHOWMICK

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ABOVE The under 15 girls’ singles podium at the Asian Youth Championships left to right Zhu Qihui, Divyanshi Bhowmick, Liu Ziling, Heo Yerin

n ability to adapt, skillful in making the best use of long pimpled rubber, in Tashkent, in early July at the ITTF Asian Youth Championships, Divyanshi Bhowmick won the under 15 girls’ singles title. Approaching five months later at the end of November in Cluj Napoca, at the ITTF World Youth Championships, in the same event, she reached the semi-final stage.

Bursting on the stage would not be an accurate description; more another step, a major step towards gaining the accolade of being a player of high class. Before this year she had made her presence felt; competing, as in Cluj Napoca, in the under 15 age group, at the 14 SWAYTHLING January 2026

2023 ITTF World Youth Championships in Nova Gorica it was a first round exit, one year later in 2024 in Helsingborg, departure in round two. Meanwhile, in WTT Youth Contender tournaments in 2023, she had won the under 13 girls’ singles event in Spa, Almaty, Amman and Bangkok, notably in Amman adding the under 15 title. Similarly, in 2024, at WTT Youth Contender events she had claimed gold in the under 15 girls’ singles in Luxembourg, the under 17 girls’ singles in Algiers. Imposing but even more imposing, the year 2025; at WTT Youth Contender tournaments, in girls’ singles, nine finals, four resulted in gold. Highlight of her endeavours

DIVYANSHI BHOWMICK 2025 WTT Youth Contender Titles TOP ROW In Vadodara, Divyanshi Bhowmick secured both the under 17 and under 15 girls’ singles titles BELOW LEFT In Amman, the under 17 girls’ singles title was added to the collection BELOW RIGHT The under 19 girls’ singles top prize was the reward in Almaty

The evidence clear that she was a potential medallist wherever she played; that fact was endorsed at both the Asian and World Youth Championships. Most significantly in Tashkent, after overcoming Japan’s Hisa Uriu, she accounted for the Chinese trio of Yang Huize, Liu Ziling and Zhu Qihui to reserve the top step of the podium, a fact at the time which delighted Bhowmick.

“Winning the title of “Asian Youth Champion” in 2025 has been my best result so far”, she said soon after the event. “It was the most prestigious event of the year, and I’m proud of the fact that I won by defeating three Chinese players on the way to the title.” Three Chinese players in an event of such stature merits a mention in the annals of table tennis, their players are always technically correct and well prepared for whatever the challenge. Equally, the success presented a first; it was the first time since the tournament was staged in 1983 in Bahrain that the event had been won by an Indian player when not playing on home soil. In 1989 in New Delhi, compatriot Subramanian Bhuvaneswari had claimed gold. u

was success in both the under 15 and under 17 girls’ singles in Vadodara, closely followed in Amman when securing the under 17 title and under 19 runners up spot. Additionally, in under 19 girls’ singles events, she won in Almaty, gained second place in Berlin, the position that was her under 15 girls’ singles lot in Havirov, Bangkok and Podgorica.

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OMOQ=tqq=vçìíÜ=`çåíÉåÇÉê=qáíäÉë= LEFT Under 17 girls’ singles in Algiers

RIGHT Under 15 girls’ singles in Luxembourg

Success in the under 15 girls’ singles was the eye-catching result in Tashkent for Bhowmick but equally she had impressed in the immediately preceding under 15 girls’ team event; she was very much the player who had guided India to a quarter-final finish. Against, Singapore, the fifth seeds, in the crucial group stage fixture to determine first place, she had accounted for both Janelle Chiang and Loy Ming Ying in a 3-2 victory. A direct entry to the quarter-final was the reward, a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Japan, the eventual runners up, the outcome. The one Indian win was secured by Bhowmick in the second match of the contest when facing Kokomi Ishida. Furthermore, in the determining fourth match, defeat at the hands of Coco Muramatsu was by the very narrowest of margins. Likewise in Cluj Napoca, Bhowmick impressed in the under 15 girls’ team event; the quest for honours starting in the quarter-final round against Germany. Prepared for the fray, she proved the backbone of Indian success in a 3-1 win. She beat Josephina Neuman and Koharu Itagaki, it was to prove the only defeat in the whole tournament for Itagaki, the eventual under 15 girls’ singles winner. More evidence, if needed, the facts stressed Bhowmick was more than the equal of the best in her age range. “I was elated with the team’s performance after defeating a very strong German”, explained Bhowmick. “I feel in the singles I was capable of going all the way and lifting the title.” One round later, it was a 3-0 reverse when facing Korea Republic but a significant result; Bhowmick was beaten in 16 SWAYTHLING January 2026

a full distance five games duel by Kim Minseo, a match from which she clearly learnt; four days later in the under 15 girls’ singles, after overcoming Algeria’s Jade Morris, she ended the hopes of Kim Minseo. Equally, the next rounds witnessed familiar faces; players she had confronted in Tashkent awaited. At the quarterfinal stage, she repeated her team event success against Kokomi Ishida, before losing to Zhu Qihui, the player she had overcome in the Asian girls’ singles final. Success, a result of determination and dedication for a player who started playing table tennis when she was nine years old as part of an extra sports class. “What began as just fun and a way to pass time soon became a real passion”, reminisced Bhowmick. “During the COVID lockdown, it turned into my lifeline, I used to practise almost five hours a day at home with my dad and sister.” Father, Rahul Bhowmick, is a keen table tennis player and very much the guiding influence. “When at home, I practise six days a week, about five to six hours a day”, continued Bhowmick. “My backhand is the strongest part of my game; I need to keep improving my forehand attack.” Success through dedication combined with good support. “I must thank my dad, my coaches, my family, my sponsors and partners for their constant support and belief in me”, stressed Bhowmick, a young lady who has words of advice for any young player.

DIVYANSHI BHOWMICK At 2023 WTT Youth Contender tournaments, Divyanshi Bhowmick won four under 13 girls’ singles titles TOP LEFT Spa, Belgium TOP RIGHT Amman, Jordan where also she won the under 15 girls’ singles BELOW LEFT Bangkok, Thailand BELOW RIGHT Almaty, Kazakhstan

The Bhowmick family clockwise Hitangshi (elder sister), Divyanshi, Preeti Arora Bhowmick (mother) and Rahul (father)

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Rock Solid Close of play at the ITTF Men’s World Cup Macao in April 2024 marked a watershed moment for Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh, an international career that spanned two decades had come to an end; time and again in contention for honours, over the years increasingly the backbone of the national team

Ahmed Saleh on his final international appearance at the 2024 Men’s World Cup in Macao

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onsistency a source of motivation, no great excesses but if you ask the wise and wonderful from the era the name of the most gifted player from Egypt, he would be high on the voting list. Quiet, reserved, the antidote and calming influence for the emerging Omar Assar, the young man with boundless energy at the helm of the next generation.

patriot El-Sayed Lashin, a friend and rival; Saleh is Zamalek, Lashin, like Assar, is El-Ahly, the two clubs in a range of sports, archrivals.

Progress to the senior ranks, commencing in 2008 in Beijing, Saleh competed in three Olympic Games, from 1997 in Manchester a total of 15 World Championships, from 1998 in Shantou seven Men’s World Cup tournaments. Additionally, he was integral to Egyptian aspirations at two Men’s World Team Cup ventures, the first in 2013 in Guangzhou, the Times Property World Team Classic, the event he considers his finest hour.

Prior to the wizardry of the computer, in the early days it was always Ali Saleh but as time rolled on and the policies of the International Table Tennis Federation progressed, just the surname was used; thus, on official publications, Ali, his father’s name was dropped.

Egypt secured bronze, a finish beyond all expectations, the welcome on returning home underlined the magnitude of the achievement, the team was met at the Presidential Palace by Mohamed Morsi, the Egyptian President; a major boost for table tennis on what was an historic weekend for table tennis in the north African country.

Encouraged by his family, especially his mother, table tennis started for Saleh in 1986 when seven years old at the Tersana Club in Cairo; five years later in 1991, only 11 years old, he won the cadet boys’ singles title at the Egyptian National Junior Championships. Progress, in Johannesburg at the 1994 African Junior Championships he made his international debut, a career that progressed alongside com20 SWAYTHLING January 2026

ABOVE LEFT Ahmed Saleh at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

It was a contest that started without any hint of drama, a 3-0 defeat at the hands of China, the Egyptians somewhat resigned to defeat. Orga-

A similar fate befell Singapore at the hands of the powerful Chinese outfit; thus, second position in the group and a quarter-final place rested on one fact, could Egypt upset the odds? Facing the trio of Gao Ning, Clarence Chew and Yang Zi, Omar Assar playing the two singles, Lashin and Saleh the doubles, a 3-2 success was recorded.

Team spirit was the key factor and even greater at the quarter-final stage when facing Germany. A 3-2 win the outcome in favour of Egypt, each member of the team contributing. Omar Assar lost to Patrick Baum but recovered to beat Patrick Franziska in the vital deciding fifth match; Lashin overcame Bastian Steger in the second contest, Saleh lost to Baum in the fourth duel. Sandwiched in between the crucial clash was enacted, by the very narrowest of fifth game margins Lashin and Saleh overcame Franziska and Steger. Sensation, in consecutive fixtures Africa had beaten both Asia and Europe! Never before known! u

nised on the Olympic Games format relevant at the time, four singles and doubles the third match, both Khalid Assar and Mohamed ElBelia commenced proceedings. Assar lost to Wang Liqin, El-Beiali to Wang Hao.

ABOVE RIGHT In 2020 Ahmed Saleh won the African Cup for a fourth time

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Always you must give 100 per cent effort when you practise, also, I liked the fight, to win more medals, I wanted to put my country on the podium and raise the flag The effort had been supreme and perhaps drained resources, at the semi-final stage the Chinese Taipei trio of Chuang Chih-Yuan, Chen Chien-An and Huang Sheng-Sheng proved simply too fast; a 3-0 defeat but for Egypt, for Africa, new horizons! Memorable moments, the win reflected the reasons why the career of Saleh lasted so long, total commitment. 22 SWAYTHLING January 2026

“Always you must give 100 per cent effort when you practise, also, I liked the fight, to win more medals, I wanted to put my country on the podium and raise the flag”, stressed Saleh. “I have to thank my mother and in particular my coaches over the years, Magda Ashour and Ashraf Helmy for their support.” Undoubtedly, he was a major piece in the jigsaw that has put Egypt firmly on the world

AHMED SALEH

table tennis map, now he is doing the same as a coach; the new role commencing at the 2025 World Championships in Doha. Currently he is the coach for the junior boys and is responding to the call for duty when seated courtside, just as when he plied his skills in the arena.

“I’m enjoying the coaching so much”, he added. “We have some good young prospects, look out for Asser Sameh and Badr Mostafa!” Names with every chance of success, Saleh as coach, they could hardly have a better advisor.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Olympic Games: competed in 2008, 2012 and 2020 World Championships: a debut in 1997 (team and individual); then in seven team events from 2000 to 2018 and eight times in individual events from 1999 to 2019 Men’s World Cup: seven appearances, debut in 1998, most recent in 2012; best finish, 13th place in 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2007

Men’s World Team Cup: represented Egypt in 2013 and 2018, bronze medallist 2013 African Championships: men’s singles winner in 2000, 2007 and 2010 African Cup: men’s singles winner in 1997, 2005, 2011, 2020 African Club Cup: (Zamalek) won in 2009 and 2011

ABOVE A testing experience for Ahmed Saleh in his Men’s World Cup debut in 1998 in Shantou; in the group stage he was beaten by Kong Linghui, Ma Lin and Jean-Philippe Gatien

January 2026 SWAYTHLING 23

Retirement Rejuvenates Swiss Star e~äÑ=~=ÅÉåíìêó=~ÑíÉê=ã~âáåÖ=Üáë=tçêäÇ=`Ü~ãéáçåëÜáéë=ÇÉÄìíI= pïáíòÉêä~åÇÛë=qÜáÉêêó=jáääÉêI=~=ãÉãÄÉê=çÑ=íÜÉ=pï~óíÜäáåÖ= `äìÄ=fåíÉêå~íáçå~äI=äççâë=Ñçêï~êÇ=íç=êÉíáêÉãÉåíI=íÜÉ=ÅÜ~åÅÉ= íç=çåÅÉ=~Ö~áå=ÄÉáåÖ=~=ÑìääJíáãÉ=éêçÑÉëëáçå~ä=éä~óÉê 24 SWAYTHLING January 2026

HMED SALEH

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ABOVE LEFT Winner of men’s singles 55 years in at the 2023 European Veteran Championships in Sandefjord, Norway ABOVE CENTRE Denmark’s Henrik Vendelbo left partnered right Thierry Miller to men’s doubles over 50 years gold in Sandefjord

How did you start to play table tennis? I started in July 1972 with my father, Raymond Miller, he had started two years earlier. My first club was UGS Geneva. I spent four years there and then joined CTT Silver Star Geneva; led by Hugo Urchetti, at that time it was the biggest and most successful club in Switzerland, What attracted you to table tennis? In the beginning, there was nothing. I was not especially talented; I was third in a group of four young players. Then, with time and much more practice than the others, I started to win some matches, then some tournaments, I found that winning was a great feeling. The fact that table tennis is like running 100 metres and playing chess at the same time gave me the motivation to continue and later to become a professional table tennis player.

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In 1981 you played in the World Championships in Novi Sad, alongside Jurek Barcikowski, Thomas Busin and Martin Hafen; what are your memories of that event? I was the youngest participant then. I remember that when I came into the hall for the first time, it felt like Christmas to me. All the players I had as posters on the wall in my room were there in real life. So, I must admit, I wasn’t really focused on my matches or on the matches of the Swiss team. I just wanted to see the stars of table tennis, especially the great players from Hungary, we had in Switzerland the Földy family who helped me a lot. In July 1981 you won the boys’ singles event at the Stiga Schools International Championships staged at Gloucester Leisure Centre in England; what do you remember about that event? My first international win, still have the medal

from that victory; it gave me the feeling that I could also win something outside Switzerland. So, for me, it was the first step to breaking barriers because, at that time in Switzerland, you were not expected to win anything at the international level in table tennis. What motivates you to continue playing, now in 2026 you will be eligible for men’s singles 60 years? There are two things. First, I still love to win, and if I had to find another sport to be successful in starting now, at almost 60, I would probably die before winning anything. The second point is to keep in contact with friends from all around the world, players who became friends after spending days, weeks, and months together. It is so great to talk about table tennis with people who are as crazy as you are about our sport.

Looking back, which period of your career did you enjoy the most? The upcoming one! I will be able to compete in the over 60 category and I hope to be as successful as I was in the 40s and 50s. Looking back, the greatest was the time I spent at INSEP in Paris with the French national team. It was fantastic to practise every day with top players, and I will never be able to thank enough the French Federation, the French coaches; special thanks to Michel Gadal and Christian Martin who gave me this opportunity, and to the players from the French national team who accepted me at that time. Is there any match or tournament in particular that stands out in your memory? Yes, the first main round in the 1999 World Championships in Rotterdam when I beat Yoo

ABOVE Thierry Miller left with right Claude Bergeret, President of the Swaythling Club International, at the Rome 2024 World Veteran Championships

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ABOVE Dinner with the family left to right Thierry alongside Chris, Karen and Jocelyne

Namkyu 21-19 in the fifth game after a spectacular match, and in Manchester in 1997 when I beat Xiong Ke, he had become Chinese champion in men’s singles a few weeks before. Then, in the cadets, my bronze medal in 1981 at the European Youth Championship in Topolčany, and of course my first European title in the men’s singles over 55 category in Rimini in 2022. All wins are special! Who had the greatest influence on your career? Definitely my father as well as players or coaches who I was happy to meet, like Alex Erhlich, Ivan Andreadis and Zbiniev Kalinsky who spend time with me in a table tennis camp in south of France during the summer at Golfe Bleu, Ste-Maxime. In Switzerland, as said, Mr Urchetti and the whole Földy Family were always there to support me. As for national coaches, I would mention Aurélien Wack and Dirk Huber who pushed me hard. Also, not to forget of course Donic, who helped me so much, not only as a sponsor but also as a friend, a family and a support, now approaching 40 years.

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Profile: Date of birth: Sunday 13th October 1966 City of birth: Geneva Current residence: Bulle FR Family: married to Jocelyne, two children, Karen, 20 and Chris, 17 Professional qualifications: IT Developer, then Project Manager Occupation: full-time employed at Trianon SA as project manager Club Name: CTT Rossens Racket Blade: Donic Epox Carbon and concave grip Forehand Rubber: Donic Bluestorm Z1 blue max+ Backhand Rubber: Donic Coppa X1 black max National Titles: Winner of the men’s singles on 14 occasions, the same number as men’s doubles: Thomas Sadecky (2), Marcel Walker (1) and Stefan Renold (11); the mixed doubles on four occasions: Carmen Witte (1), Monica Frey (2), Vera Bazzi (1)

What is next for Thierry Miller? The year 2031, if nothing special happens before. I will retire from active life and become probably a table tennis professional again! I will have time to practise again almost every day and travel around to play veteran tournaments, meet friends more often than now. It will be a great time. One thing is sure I will keep playing as long as I can stand behind the table!

ABOVE LEFT Advice for Thierry Miller left early in his career from right Gabor Gergely BELOW LEFT Thierry Miller considers one his greatest successes the win against Yoo Namkyu at the 1997 World Championships in Manchester RIGHT The first international medal for Thierry Miller, winner of the boys’ singles title at the 1984 English Schools International Championships in Gloucester, England

Memories of Gloucester The Stiga Schools’ International Championships organised by the English Schools’ Table Tennis Association from Friday 3rd July to Sunday 5th July 1981 witnessed firsts. Switzerland made their inaugural appearance and for the first time ever in the then seven-year history of the tournament a non-English player won an individual title. Thierry Miller was far too strong for all adversaries; never seriously challenged; he won the boys’ singles title beating England’s Adrian Dixon in the final. Thus, sitting courtside offering words of wisdom, I became the first coach in the history of the tournament not to safely guide an English player to gold; now that’s a milestone no one can match! Editor January 2026 SWAYTHLING 29

Ross Wilson on his way to gold in men’s singles class 8 at the 2018 World Para Championships in Lasko

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Ross Wilson Retires Francesca Bullock, British Para Table Tennis Team Press Officer, reflects on the fortunes of a former World and Commonwealth champion, an international playing career cut short by a series of injuries

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SO, I DID SEVEN MONTHS OF REHAB AND WORKED REALLY HARD AND THEN WHEN I CAME BACK, THEY FOUND MY HIP WAS FRACTURED, ANYWAY, SO I WAS GOING TO BE OUT AGAIN FOR A LONG TIME

BELOW Aaron McKibbin left and right Ross Wilson proved crucial to Great Britain’s bronze medal in men’s team class 8 at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. McKibbin and Wilson were both members of the team that earlier secured bronze in men’s team class 6-8 in Rio de Janeiro and London

ormer World and Commonwealth champion Ross Wilson has announced his retirement from table tennis after the latest in a series of injuries that have plagued him throughout his illustrious career. The 30-year-old three-time Paralympian from Minster in Kent won Paralympic team medals in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020; in men’s class 8 he reached a career high of world number two. In April 2018 he won gold in men’s singles class 6-10 at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and later that year became men’s class 8 World champion after beating Zhao Shuai, the double Paralympic champion from China, in the final. “I know my body really well after all the injuries I’ve had,” said Wilson. “Last year I had my labrum repaired because I’d torn it and then they reshaped my hip. Pre-surgery my bone was getting bruised which can result in a fracture and I’ve also got cartilage damage

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which was a bit too far gone to repair, but the doctor said if they shaved the bone down, so it was not bone on bone contact, the hip should recover and I’d be good to go. So, I did seven months of rehab and worked really hard and then when I came back, they found my hip was fractured anyway so I was going to be out again for a long time. It would probably take me about a year to get back to any sort of decent level, and I just thought, ‘I don’t want to do it again’. It’s just not there for me now and it’s not something I really want anymore.” Wilson first played table tennis while on holiday at Center Parcs and a watching member of staff, noting the Arsenal shirt he was wearing, christened him the Thierry Henry of table tennis. As a junior he was ranked in the top ten in the country, winning two national doubles titles before being diagnosed with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, which affects the growing ends of the bones. He joined the GB Para squad in 2011, winning bronze in the men’s class 6-8 team event in u

FACING Ross Wilson en route to winning men’s singles class 6-10 at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Paralympic Games London, England 2012 Bronze: Men’s Team Class 6-8 (Will Bayley, Aaron McKibbin) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2016 Bronze: Men’s Team Class 6-8 (Will Bayley, Aaron McKibbin) Tokyo, Japan 2020 Bronze: Men’s Team Class 8 (Aaron McKibbin, Billy Shilton)

World Para Championships Lasko, Slovenia 2018 Gold: Men’s Singles Class 8 Granada, Spain 2022 Bronze: Men’s Singles Class 8 Silver: Men’s Doubles Class 18 (Joshua Stacey)

European Para Championships Split 2011 Silver: Men’s Singles Class 8 Vejle 2015 Bronze: Men’s Team Class 8 (Aaron McKibbin) Lasko, Slovenia 2017 Bronze: Men’s Singles Class 8 Silver: Men’s Team Class 8 (Aaron McKibbin, Billy Shilton) Helsingborg, Sweden 2019 Bronze: Men’s Team Class 8 (Aaron McKibbin, Billy Shilton) Sheffield, England 2023 Bronze: Men’s Doubles Class 18 (Josh Stacey)

Commonwealth Games Gold Coast, Australia 2018 Gold: Men’s Singles Class 6-10 Birmingham, England 2022 Bronze: Men’s Singles Class 6-8)

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ABOVE LEFT Bronze in men’s team class 8 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games; Ross Wilson far right stands proudly alongside far left Aaron McKibbin and centre Billy Shilton

London 2012 at the age of just 17. He overcame a series of injuries, two years out of the sport, he qualified for Rio 2016 taking bronze again in the men’s class 6-8 team. Despite further injury problems he competed in his third Paralympic Games in Tokyo and clinched team bronze with Aaron McKibbin and Billy Shilton but missed out on qualification for Paris 2024 having been reclassified into class 9 on the eve of the European Championships in 2023. “Injuries have definitely been the biggest challenge throughout my career,” he said, “and it has shaped a lot of how I’ve been able to train and play which has been a bit restrictive. To be

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as good as I had to be - that in itself was a huge challenge because there are some amazing players out there. I guess when I look back, for me to come away with the career that I’ve had and when I look at the people I’ve competed against, I’m really proud of that.” “I’d probably say winning the World Championship is the number one highlight for me; that was always my dream growing up. I remember when I was little and someone came to interview me and he said, ‘what are your goals?’ I said I wanted to be world champion and he said, ‘yes but what is your realistic goal’ and I looked at my mum and said, ‘what is this guy talking about, that is what I’m going to do’. I must have been younger than ten years

I’D PROBABLY SAY WINNING THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IS THE NUMBER ONE HIGHLIGHT FOR ME; THAT WAS ALWAYS MY DREAM GROWING UP

“Winning gold at the Commonwealth Games was also a massive highlight for me and being

ABOVE RIGHT Bronze the outcome for Ross Wilson in men’s singles class 8-10 at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

able to do that with Team England was a very different experience. I think it was my first multisport event that wasn’t a Paralympic Games and my family travelled out to Australia to watch me, so it was lovely to share such an amazing experience with them. “London 2012 was definitely another huge

old, so to have worked as hard as I did for all those years and then to be able to come away with the World Championship gold and with the title to my name is something I’ll be able to have with me for the rest of my life.

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ABOVE At the 2023 European Para Championships, partnering Josh Stacey, bronze in men’s doubles class 18 was the outcome

highlight for me. I remember my first match, I was playing against a Polish player who was really good, and it took me the whole of the first game to realise the crowd was actually supporting me because it was so loud that it took a couple of seconds for the noise to actually reach me. That was a great experience and so different to anything I’d ever experienced before. I lost 3-2 in the semi-finals to the Chinese player Zhao Shuai, who won gold in London, Rio and Tokyo, and then I lost the bronze medal match to the Swedish player Emil Andersson. Losing in the singles motivated me even more for the team event and I went unbeaten in the singles matches in the team event, we managed to come away with the bronze medal which was amazing. “I’m definitely going to miss competing. I think

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one thing I’ve learnt throughout my career is how to be disciplined and hardworking and I think I’ll miss the work towards those competitions because although it can get a bit boring and repetitive I found that I could improve and develop best in those boring times. I’d try and work a bit harder than everyone else and I think that made the world of difference and I ended up enjoying those times so I’m going to miss the general day to day work in the hall as well as the actual competing.” Wilson has recently graduated with a first-class degree in psychology which may well form the basis for the next phase of his life. “I’ve got a few options and I’m not sure which way I’ll go with it,” he said. “I’ve been doing some coaching over the last few months which

I’D TRY AND WORK A BIT HARDER THAN EVERYONE ELSE AND I THINK THAT MADE THE WORLD OF DIFFERENCE AND I ENDED UP ENJOYING THOSE TIMES SO I’M GOING TO MISS THE GENERAL DAY TO DAY WORK IN THE HALL AS WELL AS THE ACTUAL COMPETING I’ve actually enjoyed, and I’ve also been doing some psychology work, so I don’t know if I’ll end up in a general psychology role or a sports psychology role. I really enjoy the psychological part of sport so maybe I’ll do something that incorporates that into what I do next.” The late Gorazd Vecko MBE played a huge part in Wilson’s career and nurtured the 15-year-old when he moved to Sheffield to train full-time with the British squad. “The first time I met Gorazd I’d never met anyone like him,” recalled Wilson. “He was very different to anyone else, and I ended up moving into the bungalow quite early on with him and some of the other players. Gorazd was like a second father figure to a lot of the members of the team and he’d bring his family over, so I’ve grown up with and been close to his son and daughter, Alex and Pia. We talk a lot about the family structure that Gorazd brought into the programme, and I think that came from the very beginning when we all spent so much time together and basically did everything together like a family. “Throughout the whole of my career Gorazd was there. A lot of things have happened in that time, and he has been the biggest support you could ask for - not just for me but for pretty much every member of the team. He was an amazing person and he has an amazing family – his family has become our family now which really shows that the family structure he brought in was something quite special.

BELOW A pensive Ross Wilson after his men’s singles class 8 bronze medal success at the 2022 World Para Championships

programme that Ross has decided to move on, but we appreciate why, given the circumstances. He’s always had to manage the injuries but while he’s been in Sheffield he’s grown as a person he’s completed his university degree and he’s got married. We all feel the warmth and love that Ross has given to the programme, and he’ll be missed but he will always be welcome at any time. A lot of people are proud of Ross and what he has done for the sport, and we would love for him to remain involved with us in the future. “Thank you, Ross, for everything you’ve done for British Para table tennis - along with others you’ve taken the sport to a new level in this country so thank you for your contribution and what you’ve done for Para table tennis.”

“Greg Baker, Andrew Rushton and Jason Sugrue have also played massive parts in my table tennis career, and I’d really like to thank them all.” Paying tribute to Wilson’s career, British Para Table Tennis Programme Manager Shaun Marples said: “Ross is a brilliant person to be around, and he’s been amazing for the programme over the years with his fantastic achievements in winning the World title in 2018 and being a three-time Paralympic medallist. He’s had an incredible career and an amazing journey – it is a sad time for the January 2026 SWAYTHLING 37

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Greek Star Swedish Inspiration

A long-standing reputation for nurturing young players, not just guiding their fortunes in the arena but also instilling good behaviour; located in the Stockholm suburbs, Ängby Table Tennis Club has witnessed a wealth of talent pass through its doors, the latest to catch the eye is Albin Ingeström

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ZSOLT-GEORG BÖHM

ABOVE Advice for Albin Ingeström left from right Nisse Sandberg

“I asked my coach for the group “what the hell is he doing here”, not a sign of talent, now five years later the champion in the Czech Republic!

orn in 2010, one would image for Albin Ingeström his favourite player might well be Mikael Appelgren or Jan-Ove Waldner, both of whom have been Ängby club members; not so, his model is Greek! It is Panagiotis Gionis, renowned for his defensive skills and powerful forehand; those attributes have proved motivating factors. However, he is slightly different to the Hellenic veteran; his backspin skills and forehand top spin strokes are key factors but recent efforts to improve his backhand top spin have reaped rewards. Playing the stroke both across the diagonal and along the parallel have proved point winners. Very much the guiding hand at Ängby is NilsErik Sandberg, always “Nisse”; in fact, he has fulfilled that role since the club was founded on Wednesday 29th February 1956, now 70 years ago! Can any organisation in the world match that record? Surely a platinum jubilee is merited and a mention in the Guinness Book of Records! Vast experience, the effect is that Nisse knows a good player; immediately on seeing Ingeström, Nisse was struck. “Around five years ago I found him in our be-

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ginner-group with two straight legs, no footwork and tiny muscles and the worst temperament”, reflected Nisse. “I asked my coach for the group “what the hell is he doing here”, not a sign of talent, now five years later the champion in the Czech Republic!” In 2024, Albin Ingeström won the under 15 boys’ singles title at the Europe Youth Series Czech Youth Open, eager to learn has been a key factor. “He understands quickly, learns quickly, he is intelligent regarding tactics, very serious in practice and understands the need for a special practice partner”, added Sandberg. “He changed bad footwork and bodywork into the very best, a very nice boy to work with; most importantly, I took him to many World Junior Circuit and World Table Tennis tournaments for the hardest possible matches.” Table tennis for Ingeström started when he was nine years old at primary school. “We had two table tennis tables in our schoolyard, but no one used them; so, my friend and I thought, why doesn't anyone play on the tables?” he explained. “One day we decided to try, it ended up with us playing every break we had, after a while, some of the others in the class started playing too, more and more

people started; eventually, almost everyone in the school was playing during breaks.” An interest in the sport was ignited; Ingeström wanted more. “I had also heard that table tennis was a sport where you could join a club and practise, I wanted to try it,” he continued. “I came home one day and told my parents about it; they were really happy that I thought it was fun, so they looked up clubs in Stockholm, the club Ängby SK came up.” Furthermore, a stroke of very good fortune, it was the closest to where the family lived. “At the time we didn't know that it would be the best decision we ever made, not only because Ängby is one of Sweden's best clubs, but everything about it; the warm surroundings, a great community, it became my second family”, stressed Ingeström. “So, I tried training there and fell in love with the sport, I thought it was the most fun I'd ever had; much more fun than football, I was playing all the time.” Surely that is a most valid point, if you play a team sport such as football, rugby, cricket or hockey, how much time do you spend not playing? “Nowadays, I practise four days a week, an average of three hours per day plus two physical sessions a week, I played football when I was younger but now only table tennis”, added Ingeström. “I go to a regular school, so all of my training is taking place in the afternoon and evening; also, I study on trains and flights when I travel, to make up for the school I miss when I’m abroad.” A busy schedule but for a teenager that has to be applauded; young people who have an interest in which they try to excel become better human beings, they learn selfdiscipline. All the time Ingeström is learning both inside and outside the playing arena. “Table tennis is not just about strength but about tactics, spin

Albin Ingeström Date of Birth: Sunday 31st January 2010 Residence: Bromma, Stockholm School: Nya Elementary Stockholm (9th grade) Family: Parents Jörgen and Shanti, three sisters Cornelia (29 years old), Neah (18 years old), Selma (13 years old) Racket Blade: Butterfly Diode V, Concave Forehand: Butterfly Dignics 09c 2.1 (black) Backhand: Butterfly Challenger attack 1.7 red

and speed, I think my backhand topspin and capacity to vary the play are key factors in my play”, explained Ingeström. “Basically, I just need to improve every aspect of my play.” Learning all the time but most significantly broadening horizons. “I’ve learnt a lot from playing against so many different and good players”, stressed Ingeström. “I’ve been able to see other countries, cultures and I have made friends from all over the world; with each competition that passes, I feel more and more in a routine.” Most importantly, he is well aware the reasons why he is enjoying such a full life. “Above all I must thank Nils Erik Sandberg, my coach, mentor and founder of Ängby SK, he has done so much for me; he is the main reason why I am where I am today, he has always believed in me and always wanted to take me to the next level”, stressed Ingeström. “Of course, also I have to mention Martin Abramsson and Alve Sjövold who have meant everything for me in the training hall, and it is impossible to not mention my parents who have driven me 1,000 times and spent so many hours in the hall supporting me.” An ideal situation for Albin Ingeström, a young man maintaining the best traditions of Ängby SK.

LEFT Panagiotis Gionis, the player on whom Albin Ingeström has based his style of play

January 2026 SWAYTHLING 41

Friendship and Understanding Officially on Friday 1st January 1993, the dissolution of Czechoslovakia was a shining example to the world on how political decision can be made without trouble, strife and hardship; since that date, just as the two countries now known as Czechia and Slovakia have co-operated in harmony, so have their respective table tennis associations. ZDENKO KRÍŽ (Honorary President of the Slovak Table Tennis Association, ITTF Personal Honorary member and Swaythling Club Executive Committee member) describes a most convivial occasion, the friendship and understanding as strong as ever.

ABOVE The hall in the historic Belvedere Hotel in Prague welcomed 200 table tennis players who in the past, and some even today, have been writing the history of Czechoslovak, Czech and Slovak table tennis.

n Saturday 15th November, members of both the Czech and Slovak Table Tennis Associations were as always very much in harmony, they met to celebrate 100 years of the Czechoslovakia Table Tennis Association; inaugurated in 1925, one year later a founder member of the International Table Tennis Federation.

100 minutes, they reminisced through films, photographs and interviews about the most glorious eras of Czechoslovak, Czech and Slovak table tennis.

Legendary names: players, coaches, umpires and officials gathered in the well-known historic Belvedere Hotel in the city of Prague, where, during a programme lasting more than

They recalled the greatest successes and personalities. Significantly, a ticket to this unique event could not be bought for any amount of money; invitations went to those who had contributed the most to the successes of table tennis within national boundaries or who had played a significant long-term role in its development.

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CZECHIA & SLOVAKIA

Also, he highlighted several most impressive medal achievements of players at World and European Championships. Furthermore, he acknowledged the organisational efforts of Czech and Slovak officials, almost all European and World events have been hosted, an Olympic Games, the exception. Via a video message, Petra Sörling, President of the International

Table Tennis Federation greeted the participants. She emphasised the admirable longterm co-operation between the two associations and their contribution to world table tennis.

ABOVE Stars from the 1970s and 1980s, Milan Orlowski left and right Alica Chládeková-Grofová

All present received a souvenir book, in fact two books, one in Czech, the other in Slovak; the publications, from a variety of perspectives mapping the history of table tennis within national borders. Additionally, commemorative table tennis pins bearing the centenary logo were presented. Notably, the greatest living personalities from both countries were awarded special silver and gold plated medals They were presented by Nikolas Endal, President of the Czech

Milan Orlowski won the men’s singles title at the 1974 European Championships, Alica ChládekováGrofová was a women’s singles silver medallist at the 1973 World Championships LEFT Pedro Moura praised the contribution of Czechoslovak, Czech and Slovak table tennis to European and World table tennis

Among the 200 participants was Pedro Moura, President of the European Table Tennis Union; addressing those present, he praised the extraordinary achievements of Czechoslovak table tennis players, who before and shortly after the Second World War ranked among the world elite.

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ABOVE LEFT Left to right Anton Hamran, Barbora Várady, Hana Matelová, and Nikolas Endal Barbora Várady (née Balážová) and Hana Matelová won the women’s doubles title at the 2024 European Championships; at the gathering in Prague, Matelová announced her retirement from international play

BELOW LEFT Left to right Zbyňek Špaček, Valentina Popova and Zdenko Kríž Valentina Popova and Jaromir Truksa concluded play mixed doubles bronze medallists at 1994 European Championships, Slovakia’s first such medal

Table Tennis Association; Anton Hamran, President of the Slovak Table Tennis Association alongside Zbyňek Špaček and Zdenko Kríž, the Honorary Presidents of each association. The awards were made to: Jaroslav Staněk, Milan Orlowski, Jindřich Pánský, Alica Chládeková-Grofová, Ilona Motlíková-Voštová, Valen44 SWAYTHLING January 2026

tína Popová, Milan Grman, Petr Korbel, Josef Dvořáček, Jitka Niklová-Karlíková and 98-yearold Eliška Furstová-Krejčová; a multiple World Championships medallist, she earned the loudest applause. At the end of the evening, recognition was also given to the Czech/Slovak pair Hana Mate-

CZECHIA & SLOVAKIA ABOVE CENTRE Left to right Zbyňek Špaček, Ilona MotlíkováVoštová and Zdenko Kríž Ilona MotlíkováVoštová won the women’s singles title at the 1968 European Championships when only 14 years old; the win coming two years before in 1970 she secured the junior girls’ singles title at the European Youth Championships

ABOVE RIGHT Ilona MotlíkováVoštová and Alica ChládekováGrofová met for the first time in 47 years! They were members of the Czechoslovakian team for 13 years

BELOW RIGHT Left to right Very much senior members, 82-yearold Jaroslav Stanek and 98 years of age Eliška KrejčováFurstová Partnering Vladimir Miko, Jaroslav Stanek won men’s doubles gold at the 1964 European Championships, bronze at the 1967 World Championships From 1947 to 1955 Eliška KrejčováFurstová secured no less than seven bronze medals at the World Championships

lová, now retired from international play and Barbora Várady (née Balážová), women’s doubles gold medallists at the 2024 European Championships in Linz; the close bond between Czechia and Slovakia once again stressed. A time for nostalgia, friendly meetings and memories with notable guests from foreign

shores invited. Jarek Kolodziejczyk and Zoran Primorac, ETTU Vice-Presidents were present as was Pierre Kass, ETTU Secretary-General. Most pertinently to add to the occasion, Jiří Kejval, a member of the International Olympic Committee and President of the Czech Olympic Committee, attended. January 2026 SWAYTHLING 45

Centenarian Edna Fletcher has a very special visit from Japanese star O

n Saturday 15th September 2007, TBS, one of Japan’s major television channels broadcast a prime-time television show underlining the fact that table tennis is very much the sport for all ages; an estimated 10 million viewers switched on their remote controls.

Paul Stimpson is the Senior Communications Officer for Table Tennis England

Earlier to record the show, a crew had flown to Gorleston on the east coast of England, a 12 hour flight, a distance of 6,000 miles, the mission was to stage a match between 81-year-old Edna Fletcher, a great grandmother and winner of umpteen veteran table tennis titles, and a six year old child prodigy, a certain Mima Ito. A memorable occasion, hosted by Asami Kumakiri, a translator present, Paul Garrod, the local mayor presented Mima with a plaque that embodied the nearby Great Yarmouth’s coat of arms. The outcome went in favour of youth, a threenil win for Mima. Recently PAUL STIMPSON, Senior Communications Officer for Table Tennis England reported on the pair meeting once again. Japanese superstar Mima Ito has rekindled an unlikely friendship with table tennis centenarian and former world veteran champion Edna Fletcher. u

RIGHT Mima Ito left and right Edna Fletcher met in September following the WTT Star Contender

The pair first met – and played against each

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ABOVE LEFT Mima Ito left hugs right Jun Mizutani in sheer delight after the final point which secured mixed doubles gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

other – in 2007 when Mima came to England to film a programme for Japanese TV at the age of just six. They faced each other in a match at Great Yarmouth Town Hall, watched by an audience of 100, covered in Table Tennis News at the time.

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The table tennis prodigy has gone on to achieve many great things in her career, not least winning the mixed doubles gold medal with Jun Mizutani at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. But she has not forgotten Edna, so when she turned 100 in September, Mima sent her a lovely video message.

And, after competing at WTT Star Contender London, the world no. 9 journeyed to Great Yarmouth to visit Edna – once again with a Japanese TV crew for company – retracing her steps from all those years ago.

women’s doubles 80 years gold with Ursula Bihl of Germany in 2006, as well as being a threetime European champion.

Edna, won women’s singles 75 years gold at the World Veteran Championships in 2002 and

Video: Mima Ito sends Edna Fletcher greetings on her 100 birthday

ABOVE RIGHT The meeting in 2007, Mima Ito left and right Edna Fletcher

She was delighted to meet Mima again.

January 2026 SWAYTHLING 49

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Marshall Islands The Marshall Islands is one of the most northerly nations in Oceania, located in the Micronesian region of the vast Pacific Ocean. Its neighbours include Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Kiribati. A population of around 40,000, the Marshall Islands gained independence from the United States in 1979 and comprises nearly 30 coral atolls and five main islands; with more than 98 per cent of its territory being water, it has the largest proportion of water to land of any sovereign state in the world. From Tuesday 4th to Monday 17th November, the capital city of Majuro played host to a visit under the auspices of the Oceania Development Program. Ocean Belrose, one of the Oceania Development Officers, was the expert on duty. Plenty of activity ensued across the two-week visit, with focus centred around a training camp for the national team, school visits, a Level One Coaching Course and meetings with the Marshall Islands National Olympic Committee (MINOC). Since becoming an ITTF member association in 1989, Marshall Islands have been regular competitors at the Pacific Games, Pacific Mini Games, Micronesian Games and on occasions at the Oceania Championships. More recently, Marshall Islands played host to the 2024 Micronesian Games where their players performed well and won medals. Earlier this year, Marshall Islands competed at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Through this development visit and with strong support being offered to the Marshall Islands Table Tennis Federation by MINOC, it is hoped the next generation of Marshall Islands table tennis players progress through to represent their nation. ITTF-Oceania thanks ITTF for their ongoing support of the Oceania Development Program. This visit to the Marshall Islands is the 13th made so far in 2025 throughout Oceania. Providing help and assistance where it’s needed most is the backbone of the Oceania Development Program, we are pleased that Marshall Islands have benefitted. 50 SWAYTHLING January 2026

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Solomon Islands The Solomon Islands is situated northeast of Australia in the Melanesian region of Oceania. Surrounding the Solomon Islands are Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna and Vanuatu. Solomon Islands commenced self-governance in 1976 before gaining independence in 1978 and has a population in excess of 800,000. From Wednesday 12th to Wednesday 26th November, the capital of Honiara played host to an Oceania Development Program visit by Hongbo Liang, one of the Oceania Development Officers. Throughout, Gary Nuopula, former national team representative and current table tennis Development Officer within the Solomon Islands, provided able assistance to Hongbo. It was a busy two-week visit, with key activities including: ● School visits ● Coach education sessions ● Competition management seminar ● The first stage of the Solomon Islands Table Tennis Federation Annual General Meeting ● Meetings with key bodies including the National Olympic Committee and National Sports Council ● Hosting a national competition ● National team training camp Since becoming an ITTF member association in 2002, Solomon Islands have been regular competitors at the Pacific Games, Pacific Mini Games and the Oceania Championships. Earlier this year, Solomon Islands competed at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau and were hoping to compete at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand but could not obtain their visas in time. There is a strong crop of junior players in the country currently and it is hoped with ongoing development and support; these players will thrive and be able to showcase their talents in Oceania and beyond. ITTF-Oceania thanks the International Table Tennis Federation for their ongoing support of the Oceania Development Program. The visit to the Solomon Islands was no less than the 14th made so far in 2025 throughout Oceania. We are most grateful that we are able to support our member associations where help is most needed. 52 SWAYTHLING January 2026

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Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea is located north of Australia in the Melanesian region of Oceania. The country covers more than 450,000 square kilometres including a large mainland and hundreds of islands, with approximately 12 million people calling Papua New Guinea home. From Friday 28th November to Saturday 6th December it was the Oceania Development Officer, Hongbo Liang, who travelled to the capital city of Port Moresby for an in-country visit under the auspices Oceania Development Program. Across an action-packed nine days, key activities included: ● Holding the 2025 National Championships with nearly 200 players competing ● National team training camp ● Officials’ education sessions ● Competition management seminar ● Meetings with key dignitaries The year 2025 has been strong for the Papua New Guinea Table Tennis Federation (PNGTTF) under the leadership of President George Shao. Earlier in the year they enjoyed a very successful Pacific Mini Games in Palau where they won medals in women’s team, men’s team, men’s doubles and Para men’s singles. PNGTTF had two players, Geoffrey Loi and Tammi Agari selected into the Oceania Talent Team trip to New Zealand and they regularly have players training in China. On the local front, there has been ongoing activity and an impressive amount of media coverage, particularly on local television. The future appears bright in Papua New Guinea. ITTF-Oceania thanks ITTF for their ongoing support of the Oceania Development Program. The visit to Papua New Guinea is the 15th and final visit throughout Oceania in 2025. This is the first year the Oceania Development Program has returned in its traditional format for many years and we are grateful that the International Table Tennis Federation supports our vision around how to best help and service the 24 Oceania member associations. 54 SWAYTHLING January 2026

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ITTF FOUNDATION JOURNEY OF OUTLOOK AND ENGAGEMENT IN CHINA During September an ITTF Foundation team embarked on an inspiring journey to China, visiting Shanghai and Beijing on the occasion of two major events, the inaugural Chinese National Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships in Shanghai and the 2025 WTT China Smash in Beijing. The visit opened new doors for connection, engagement, and collaboration with China’s Parkinson’s and table tennis communities. It allowed the Foundation to learn first-hand about the sport’s cultural and social development in the country and to share the Foundation’s mission, harnessing table tennis as a tool for health, inclusion, and positive change.

ABOVE Smiling faces in Shanghai

READ Bridging new territory and spreading inspiration: ITTF Foundation’s journey of outlook and engagement in China

Throughout the trip, all experienced meaningful conversations, knowledge sharing, and genuine moments of inspiration with players, officials, fans, and partners alike. Chinese National Parkinson’s Championships Following two successful editions of the Shanghai Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships, held earlier this year and in 2024, the first-ever National Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships in China took place on Sunday 21st September 2025 in Shanghai.

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Organised by the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), with support from the Shanghai Table Tennis Association and the Jing’an District Sports Federation, the event brought together 102 players from 16 provinces and cities. The ITTF Foundation was honoured to be invited to attend the event. Wang Liqin (CTTA President) delivered an inspiring opening speech, Xu Yinsheng (ITTF Honorary President) officially launched the competition. Watching players with Parkinson’s compete, connect, and demonstrate such remarkable resilience was deeply moving. The event stood as a true example of table tennis for health and resonated with the spirit of our World Table Tennis for Health Festival, showcasing how table tennis can bridge medical and social dimensions to enhance lives. A journey through history In Shanghai, the Foundation team also had the pleasure of visiting the ITTF Museum and the China Table Tennis Museum, where we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Yao Zhenxu. The Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of table tennis, from the sport’s early origins to its inclusion in the Olympic movement and its deeprooted development in China.

ITTF FOUNDATION

The Foundation departed inspired and grateful to all who have contributed to shaping the legacy of our sport. It was a reminder that the ITTF Foundation is not only part of this history but also continues to write new chapters by advancing table tennis as a force for good throughout the world. WTT China Smash Later from Sunday 28th September to Sunday 5th October, the Foundation was proud to join the WTT China Smash in Beijing for the very first time, hosting a booth at the vibrant and lively Smash Park, a fan zone that welcomed more than 10,000 table tennis fans daily. In collaboration with World Table Tennis (WTT), the Foundation also took the opportunity to promote its initiatives and highlight the upcoming 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival on ITTF Foundation Day. At the interactive booth, a mini table tennis setup, hand-crafted creative rackets, hand–eye co-ordination games, and our newly designed Foundation keychains, training shirts, and items were featured. Every day, fans of all ages, from local families to international visitors, players and media, stopped by to play. They learnt about our mission and welcomed inspiring stories from around the world, discovering how table tennis can be a tool for health, inclusion and positive social change. Many took part in our fun challenges, improving their co-ordination skills in minutes, while

others sparked heartfelt conversations about how sport can transform lives. Seeing their joy and curiosity reaffirmed why the Foundation has a major role to play. Meanwhile, welcome special guests included Petra Sörling (ITTF & ITTF Foundation President), Mr. Lei Zhenjian (Foundation Governing Board Member), and Steve Dainton (ITTF Group Chief Executive Officer) along with countless passionate fans and friends of the sport who came to play, chat, and support our mission. Vote of thanks The Foundation’s thanks go to Butterfly, whose generous donation of highquality training shirts helped us raise additional funds. The shirts became tokens of appreciation for visitors who gave donations to support our cause, and a tangible way for them to stay connected with our mission. The time in China was incredibly rewarding, filled with inspiration, new partnerships, and shared enthusiasm to expand the Foundation’s work in a region where table tennis is deeply cherished. Sincere thanks are extended to the Chinese Table Tennis Association, Shanghai Table Tennis Association, World Table Tennis, and the China Smash local organising committee for their warm welcome and invaluable support. To everyone who visited the booth, joined the activities, asked thoughtful questions, or contributed to the cause, thank you. The energy fuels the mission to make the world a better place through table tennis. January 2026 SWAYTHLING 57

DREAM BUILDING After a comprehensive review of all 85 applications in four languages, involving 52 countries and territories; in November the ITTF Foundation announced the final six recipients for the Dream Building Fund (DBF) Generation 2026. Assessment was based on context, quality of design, implementation proposal, impact, dissemination, and sustainability. Additionally, each project was chosen with reference to the commitment to use table tennis activities as an entry point to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as alignment with the Foundation’s biennial theme “Health & Well-Being" for the years 2026 and 2027.

ABOVE Mental well-being the theme in Thailand were conducted READ A new generation of change is born! Six new projects supported for the Dream Building Fund Generation 2026

Alongside Petra Sörling, the jury comprised Leandro Olvech (Director, ITTF Foundation), Karine Teow (Head of Sustainability, ITTF Group), Sharath Kamal Achanta (ITTF Foundation Ambassador), Marisa Schlenker (Senior Programme Manager, adidas Foundation) Dr. Ben Farai Sanders (Executive Director, International Platform on Sport and Development). Project: Mesas de Sueńos. De los Andes al Mundo. Organisation: Club Deportivo Team Talentus SACS (Peru). Duration: two years Children and adolescents in the Andean provinces of Tarma, Junín, and Concepción face significant social and educational challenges due to limited access to organised sports and cultural opportunities. As a result of insufficient

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resources and spaces for extracurricular activities there is the threat of increased school dropouts, a rise in alcohol consumption among youth populations, and a disparity in equitable opportunities for girls. Through already established relationships with local schools, municipalities, and the Peruvian Table Tennis Federation, Club Deportivo Team Talentus SACS aims to use its community position to continue ongoing programmes and conduct new comprehensive and inclusive sports training and talent development programmes. Project: Table tennis leadership programme. Organisation: Sportathon Foundation (India). Duration: two years A table tennis leadership programme, designed by Sportathon Foundation, is a two year initiative that uses table tennis as an avenue for leadership and inclusivity training to overcome embedded systemic challenges related to gender inequality in Gondia, Maharashtra. Through safe and inclusive spaces, girls and boys will develop leadership skills to become role models in their communities and take control over their own lives. Project: Better ageing with table tennis enhancing mind, memory and mental well-being. Organisation: The Table Tennis Association of Thailand. Duration: two years As Thailand approaches the status of a “Super-Aged Society”, where over 20 per cent of the population will be aged 60 and above, this creates significant strain on families, communities and healthcare systems. Families are

ITTF FOUNDATION now forced to adapt to the associated challenges related to this demographic shift, including depression, memory decline, and social isolation among older adults. “Better Ageing with Table Tennis” is a novel, evidence-based approach to promote autonomy and social engagement for older generations. Through structured table tennis programming, the Table Tennis Association of Thailand seeks to enhance mental, cognitive and social well-being of older adults, while collecting actionable data to inform policy recommendations and ultimately scale table tennis activities beyond the current scope. Project: Ping! For health. Organisation: Table Tennis England. Duration: three years At least 80 per cent of disabled people aspire to lead more active lives in England and Wales. However, a lack of access to inclusive recreational spaces, self-doubt and overall support have created barriers for participation. As a result, more than 10 million people living with a disability in these regions are twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people, not only impacting individual well-being, but costing society an estimated Ł11 billion each year in lost social value. Using adaptable equipment, inclusive training, and robust evaluation, the programme aims to boost mental and physical well-being, while strengthening community bonds through social interactions. Through partnerships with Parkinsons UK and Activity Alliance, local health partners and communities, Table Tennis England is integrating fun and engaging table tennis sessions in a variety of safe spaces. The focus includes care homes, stroke groups and community centres, enabling healthier and more prosperous communities.

at the community level. The introduction of table tennis and social sports helps improve the overall mental and physical well-being of participants, as well as providing opportunities to form new friendships and increase community collaboration. Even pathways may open in order to compete at national and international levels. Project: Serve, learn, lead, empowering Mukuru Youth through table tennis and education. Organisation: AmericaShare (Kenya). Duration: three years Serve, learn, lead, empowering Mukuru Youth through table tennis and education is a three-year initiative dedicated to using table tennis as a tool for creating safe and inclusive environments in Nairobi’s Mukuru settlement in Kenya.

Project: Shaping an inclusive future through table tennis. Organisation: Special Olympics Chile (Chile). Duration: two years Table tennis is a low-impact, accessible and engaging activity for promoting healthy ageing, especially for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Special Olympics Chile champions inclusive sports program ming. Through partnerships with the National Table Tennis Federation in Chile, the local government of Melipilla community and the Local Sports Association of Table Tennis Clubs in Melipilla, the project aims to expand its reach to other at-risk demographics, including younger and older adults. Shaping an inclusive future through table tennis connects students with and without IDD and athletes with and without IDD, to compete

ABOVE The Special Olympics project in Chile READ A new generation of change is born! Six new projects supported for the Dream Building Fund Generation 2026

As the nonprofit arm of Micato Safaris, AmericaShare is committed to ending cycles of poverty, specifically by removing barriers to learning and assisting girls in their pursuit of education. In partnership with Huru International, AmericaShare’s sister organisation, the project will deliver more than 5,000 table tennis play sessions and annual community events to enable community cohesion, gender inclusivity and overall youth development over the next three years. January 2026 SWAYTHLING 59

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INAUGURAL PARKINSON’S SHOWCASE EVENT Initiated to create more competitive opportunities for people with Parkinson’s and promote inclusivity through sport, the first Parkinson’s Showcase event was held in the Swedish city of Helsingborg on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th November. The competition was held alongside the ITTF European Para Championships and immediately prior to the 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival. As the global Parkinson’s table tennis community grows and shows increasing enthusiasm for competitive play, the Showcase event marked a significant milestone in the Foundation’s mission to offer more competition pathways at international level for players with Parkinson’s. Beyond competition, it also highlighted table tennis as a meaningful tool for improved quality of life, confidence, and social engagement.

The aim of the Parkinson’s Showcase event was not to integrate Parkinson’s players into the Paralympic pathway, but to establish a parallel platform. The ITTF Foundation plans to expand this model globally, working towards hosting Parkinson’s Showcase events alongside continental Para table tennis competitions in the coming years. A new opportunity for competition and connection At the Parkinson’s Showcase event, eight players - four men and four women - competed in singles over two days, gaining the chance to showcase their skills on an international stage while demonstrating the positive impact of regular physical activity on well-being. Play commenced with a group stage followed by a final involving the leading players.

FACING Men’s singles podium Gold Liu Shengping (CHN) Silver Frank Hahn GER) Bronze Brian Carson (SCO) Jörgen Sjöstedt (SWE) ABOVE Women’s singles podium Gold Janice Fuller (ENG) Silver Elizabeth Ildal (DEN) Bronze Eva-Lena Jansson (SWE) Vilborg Jónsdóttir (ISL) LEFT The true spirit of the Showcase event READ Parkinson’s Showcase event concludes with finals and award ceremony in Helsingborg

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WORLD TABLE TENNIS FOR HEALTH FESTIVAL The largest and most dynamic edition of the World Table Tennis for Health Festival to date was held in Helsingborg, Sweden from Wednesday 26th to Sunday 30th November; the third edition, the tournament welcomed a record 195 players with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s from 23 countries and territories. Unity within the Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s table tennis communities proved an overriding factor. Four days of thrilling action After the technical meetings and a warm opening ceremony, play in the World Parkinson’s and World Alzheimer’s Championships began on Thursday 27th November. Five events in the Parkinson’s category, as is now the tradition - men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles - three classes in each competition according to physical ability, for Alzheimer’s a singles competition.

ABOVE Dance provided both excercise and unity READ Resilience, friendship and table tennis: 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival shines in Helsingborg

Designed to strengthen the health impact of table tennis interventions, the Congress gathered insights and recommendations from Swedish, European and international experts, sparking new discussions that advance global health. A special highlight included the screening of a documentary filmed by Charles Lavilanie and partially funded by France Parkinson. The presentation followed the journeys of three French players preparing for and competing at the 2024 Festival. In recognition of their contribution to a legacy for the Festival, Zoran Primorac, the ITTF Foundation’s Ambassador, presented a plaque of appreciation to the featured players, celebrating their role in raising awareness of table tennis as a tool for health.

Health Congress: A hub of insight and inspiration Serving as a scientific platform to the Festival, the two-day Congress on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November took place each day after matches in Helsingborg Arena and online.

Warm-ups, dances and shared joy Every day, festive energy filled the venue. Before each match session, the two dedicated volunteers, Anghelys and Francia, led uplifting warm-up routines and dances. Players, coaches, staff, officials, families, and friends all joined in, moving, laughing, and embracing the celebratory spirit that makes the Festival so unique.

Opening the event, Petra Sörling remarked: “The Congress brings together researchers, health professionals, coaches, programme leaders, and partners who all share one belief: table tennis can change lives. It is a space where research meets practice and new collaborations begin.”

Side activities enriched the experience A variety of activities complemented the event and strengthened the Festival’s health-focused mission. Each day witnessed mini-exercises involving table tennis – inspired games that supported motor skills and enhanced hand-eye co-ordination.

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ITTF FOUNDATION Virtual reality table tennis also made a popular return, allowing participants of all ages and abilities to experience the sport without spatial limitations. The VR station energised the halls and added a fun, interactive element to the week. To deepen connection and inspire participants, Zoran Primorac also joined players on the final day for friendly rallies, offering guidance and tips both on and off the table. Playing face-toface with the seven-time Olympian, twice Men’s World Cup winner and current European Table Tennis Union Vice President created unforgettable memories and boosted the confidence of many who took part. Legacy Programme: giving back to the community A special legacy ceremony helped extend the Festival’s impact beyond Helsingborg. In collaboration with the Swedish Table Tennis Association, the ITTF Foundation supported several Swedish schools, clubs, Parkinson’s groups, and rehabilitation facilities, ensuring continued access for table tennis as a tool for development. Among the beneficiaries were Ortvikens Table Tennis club, Parkinson Skaraborg, Allerum Table Tennis club, Allerum School, and Tĺgaborg School. Each received tables used during the Festival, helping alleviate equipment shortages and enabling more people to participate in regular physical activity.

Closing and celebrating Following the breathtaking finals, the awards and closing ceremony gathered everyone for an emotional celebration. The atmosphere was warm and full of pride. Medallists were honoured for their achievements, while all participants were recognised for their resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit. The ceremony captured the essence of unity and inclusivity that defines the Festival. To extend the Festival’s impact worldwide, a special draw selected two players with Parkinson’s - one man and one woman - who will represent the ITTF Foundation at the ITTF World Masters Championships 2026 in Gangneung, Republic of Korea. Additionally, two more participants were chosen to receive Foundation support to attend the World Parkinson Congress 2026 in Phoenix, United States; their journeys will help carry the Festival’s legacy into new global arenas, strengthening the movement for health and inclusion. At the end of the ceremony came the surprise announcement that Shanghai, China, will host the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Festival The Swedish Local Organising Committee officially passed the Festival flag to Hua Yuan, Director of the National Fitness Department of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, symbolising the beginning of preparations for the next edition.

BELOW A sense of unity, thoroughly enjoying the occasion

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LEFT Vision Changers Kenya recognised the potential of table tennis

SHAPING YOUNG LIVES: VISION CHANGERS KENYA'S DREAM BUILDING FUND JOURNEY

tional opportunities, enabled the local youth to engage in core community building moments, equipping them with best practices within their own lives.

CENTRE In Kariobangi a group converted the surrounding area of the Nairobi River into a community park

Recognising and facilitating strengths within communities, commencing in 2022 Kenya has been a major focal point for the Dream Building Fund (DBF).

Character development and crime reduction In-school and out-of-school mentorship programmes were designed alongside apprenticeship opportunities. Group discussions stressed the importance of teamwork, leadership, discipline and resilience; the sessions emphasised the importance of co-operation, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Vision Changers Kenya’s Hope Kwa Vijana Mtaani organised a table tennis programme to assist young people. Over the three-year period, the initiative helped to reshape the lives of 1,000 at-risk youths in Mukuru kwa Njenga and Kariobangi North, two densely populated urban settlements in Kenya. Unlocking potential through play Widespread poverty, poor housing and education, no infrastructure, violent crime, substance abuse and other inauspicious activities dominated the targeted areas. Vision Changers Kenya recognised the potential of table tennis to intervene, an innovative strategy was designed; institutions were restructured and experiences created to enable the younger generation not only to take control of their own lives, but reimagine their position in the world, become positive contributors in their communities.

Additionally, the project involved parents and officers of the law with the aim of creating a safer environment. Sport driven forums and meetings addressed major issues, established trust and respect, enhanced security and the process of reintegration for ex-offenders Social skills and relationship building A main objective of the Hope Kwa Vijana Mtaani initiative was to create alternative pathways to crime. A range of activities including indigenous sports and art was promoted, designed to create positive environments for young people to build connections and friendships; thus cultivating a sense of community and belonging.

Physical health and fitness Exposure to regular physical activities, table tennis events and engagement with health practitioners improved physical strength, co-ordination and endurance of the young participants.

Table tennis festivals became instrumental in advancing communication skills and teamwork. The activities not only demonstrated table tennis as a tool for short-term progress but as a strategy for long-term behavioural change. Notably, a total of 51 participants reintegrated into the school system, others were introduced to vocational pathways.

Also, learning about nutrition and well-being, both mental and practical, were highlighted. Creating accessible spaces for weekly competitions and activities, with complementary educa-

Goal-setting and behavioural change Through effective mentorship and apprenticeship programmes, alternative attitudes towards the future were developed.

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ITTF FOUNDATION

Participants began to see goals. Specifically, there was an increased appetite for environmental protection and community service, groups actively engaging in tree planting initiatives and monthly cleanup drives.

Sense of belonging and established identity Developing a deep sense of belonging and inclusion for ex-offenders, especially those who embraced their mistakes, enabled members to confront realities and integrate into society.

RIGHT Young people highly motivated by the sport of table tennis

One group in Mukuru Kwa worked to improve financial literacy skills to develop savings accounts and facilitate the creation of their own future businesses. Through the “Ng’arisha Mtaa” initiative, another group in Kariobangi converted the surrounding area of the Nairobi River into a community park that hosts recreational and communal events.

Collaborative activities proved an effective way to establish a sense of individual fulfilment and strengthen community bonds. Teamwork reinforced the importance of camaraderie, overcoming shared struggles together. Most importantly, instilling youth with leadership qualities and accountability promoted a greater sense of pride; thus, creating a brighter future for all involved.

READ Reshaping young lives: Vision Changers Kenya's Dream Building Fund journey

The willingness to set goals and have a prudent outlook highlighted the capacity of table tennis to help young people visualise alternative pathways for their futures and how they can be proactive members in their communities. Enhanced mental health and overall wellbeing In combination with physical activities, a comprehensive psychosocial programme and counselling services helped reduce stress, anxiety and depression in participating youth members. Too often young people would turn to drugs to cope with emotional distress, enhance self-esteem or manage challenges they faced in their personal lives. Daily sporting activities were implemented after class in eight schools to provide a healthy outlet for young people to express themselves, relieve stress, encourage healthier habits and improve overall well-being. The holistic approach to overall health and well-being not only helps transform the lives of individuals but enhances the quality of life; young people gain confidence in confronting challenges, creating stronger community foundations and pillars.

The journey comes to a close, but the ITTF Foundation looks forward to continuing the strong partnership formed and sustaining the positive impact for years to come.

Testimonial “I've struggled with drug abuse for a long time, and at one point, I turned to petty crime to get money for drugs. However, I overheard some friends talking about new table tennis programmes in our community that helped keep them busy and taught them about healthier living. Last year, I decided to join one of these programmes, and it has made a significant difference in my life. I have found a positive way to cope and use my time wisely. My past with drugs and crime is behind me, and I’m committed to improving myself. I'm also grateful to be trained as a Peer Mentor and photographer by Vision Changers Kenya, which has further inspired my growth.” Wicliffe Odhiambo January 2026 SWAYTHLING 65

EMPOWERING GIRLS AND WOMEN THROUGH TABLE TENNIS Launched in 2022, Spin Club, based in the Iranian capital city of Tehran, recently completed their Rising Stars initiative. Supported by the Dream Building Fund; the itinerary comprised educational programmes and specialised table tennis coaching for girls and women. Entry point to overcome patriarchal societal norms Women and girls in Tehran are not given access to the same opportunities as boys and men; sport is especially not prioritised as a necessary function of daily life.

ABOVE A clear message from Tehran READ Empowering girls and women through table tennis: Spin Club’s Dream Building journey

The three-year Rising Stars concept provided women and girls, in particular Afghan immigrants and the disabled, a safe environment in which to express themselves. They played table tennis, in so doing confidence grew, gender gaps were reduced, the result an increased female contribution to community life. Inspiring confidence and change through table tennis The Rising Stars initiative created space for women and girls to learn about gender equality and human rights through sport. Highly skilled players were also given tailored training to advance their national and international playing careers.

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Sport for Development (S4D) Through alternative S4D and Table Tennis for Development (TT4D) activities, Rising Stars created a programme that catered for both athletic and personal development needs. From August 2022 to June 2024, participants engaged in table tennis skill building in combination with sessions focused on teamwork, decision-making, leadership and gender equality. Learning English through table tennis In August and September 2023, a 10 session online English course was created as an innovative complementary component. Overall, 10 girls participated in interactive sports-related vocabulary sessions. In combination with online learning, table tennis sessions were also administered in the English language twice a week. The aim not only to practise new vocabulary but build confidence in a unique and fun learning environment. Table tennis sessions for girls with disabilities Rising Stars held two introductory table tennis sessions at a school for girls with disabilities. In total, 21 girls participated. The sessions not

ITTF FOUNDATION only introduced the sport itself, but proved to be an empowering experience, demonstrating they are not defined by physical limitations.

them a chance to have a unique life experience but providing the capacity to develop professionally as a player on the international stage.

Rising Stars TT4D workshop Additionally, the programme included an international Table Tennis for Development (TT4D) workshop. Overall, 30 women were introduced the concept of Sport for Development (S4D).

Intentionality and consistency underpin achievements The unique blend and variety of integrated and inclusive activities designed by the Rising Stars project generated a range of meaningful impacts for young women and girls in the Tehran community.

Coaches from the ITTF Foundation and expert guest speakers shared with participants the tools and knowledge to design and execute their own sports programmes and communitybased projects. World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) Each April over the project lifespan, Rising Stars organised a World Table Tennis Day event to unite a diverse community and highlight the joy and impact of table tennis. The scale of the programme expanded each year, consistently promoting the message: table tennis is for everyone, everywhere. Programmes for Afghan girls Since its inception, Rising Stars has made a dedicated commitment to engage Afghan girls and young women in their activities. Programmes were offered that not only work to improve basic life skills and confidence, but to achieve historic milestones. Included was the first-ever participation of Afghan girls in Tehran’s official table tennis competitions. Competitions and training camps In addition to educational and well-being programming, Rising Stars fully supported one female player for 10 separate international tournaments, which includes covering all expenses necessary for participation. In total 10 female players were also provided with coaching and strategic guidance at another 10 international competitions, not only giving

Facts and figures underlined progress, Rising Stars began with 15 participants in 2022 and grew to 315 by the end of DBF funding in 2025. Additionally, by the end of 2024, there were 27 participants with disabilities participating compared to six at the start of the project in April 2022. Over the entirety of the project, no less than 50 Afghan girls took part, participating in specific sessions designed to enhance decision-making, leadership and teamwork, as well as the first-ever participation of Afghan girls in Tehran’s official table tennis competitions. Finally, 10 participants with disabilities formally joined Spin Club to continue their table tennis practice after attending introductory sessions, thus, reinforcing the sustainable influence of the Rising Stars interventions. Enabling potential changemakers through sport investment The success of the Rising Stars initiative is a core example of the impact that can result from an investment in women and girls, combating barriers that prevent gender equality. The ITTF Foundation extends thanks to the Rising Stars Project Leader, Houri Aghamiri, for allowing assistance in supporting an already strong community of changemakers. The ITTF Foundation will continue the collaboration with Spin Club even beyond the completion of their DBF cycle.

LEFT Two introductory table tennis sessions for girls with disabilities were organised

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SWAN PARTNERS MEET IN SLOVENIA Hosted by project partner the University of Ljubljana, the SWAN project consortium gathered in Slovenia for a co-ordination meeting on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th December. After a full year of close but primarily remote collaboration, this in-person meeting brought partners together. The purpose was to assess progress, address challenges, and align the path forward as the initiative approaches the midpoint of its two-year timeline.

ABOVE Members of the meeting held in Ljubljana in December READ SWAN project partners gather in Slovenia for inperson co-ordination meeting

table tennis for individuals experiencing neurodegenerative diseases. Developing the "Train the Trainer" toolkit The majority of the meeting was dedicated to advancing the development of training materials for the "Train the Trainer" toolkit, in order to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement table tennis activities for people with neurodegenerative diseases. The consortium had developed a cohesive programme framework that will enable quality implementation, including:

Representatives from all seven partner organisations, including ITTF Foundation’s TT4Health team members, Raymond Ortega Montes and Lea Huré, participated in two days of discussions focused on evaluating the first year, and preparing for the activities ahead.

● Defined content for preparing trainers to deliver effective interventions ● A standardised template for composing intervention programmes ● Clear guidelines on session structure and delivery methods

Year one deliverables: implementation and communication in focus A key agenda item was the review of major deliverables due at the end of the project's first year:

The power of in-person collaboration Undoubtedly, the meeting provided renewed momentum as the project transitions into its second year, reinforcing the spirit of co-operation and shared commitment that defines the SWAN initiative.

Implementation progress report Discussions focused on the consortium's progress in executing the SWAN project work plan and milestones achieved in the initial phase of implementation. Updated communication and dissemination Plan An updated plan was delivered ensuring the consortium continues to effectively raise awareness about the therapeutic benefits of

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The ITTF Foundation is dedicated to advancing the SWAN project's mission of promoting active lifestyles through the health benefits of table tennis, and looks forward to sharing continued progress as organisations work together to bring this innovative health intervention to communities across Europe!

ITTF FOUNDATION

SWAN Spin for Well-being: Active lifestyles through therapeutic table tennis for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases (SWAN) is a European Union funded 26-month Erasmus+ project aiming to enhance the health of people affected by neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The acronym SWAN symbolises growth and renewal. Just as a swan moults its feathers and grows new ones, this project seeks to help individuals with neurodegenerative diseases form new neural connections through physical activity. Beyond improving individual well-being, SWAN also aims to build a network of stakeholders interested in the therapeutic benefits of table tennis and promote the integration of such programmes in various settings - including care homes, sports organisations, and local communities. Project Objectives ● Build a collaborative transnational network Establish a consortium of diverse organisations across seven European Union countries to share knowledge and best practices in table tennis health programmes for neurodegenerative diseases. ● Develop and disseminate educational materials Create and implement a training curriculum that equips stakeholders with both the theoretical and practical tools needed to implement effective table tennis interventions. ● Implement and evaluate specialised interventions Design and evaluate targeted table tennis curricula for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients to improve their physical, cognitive, and social well-being. ● Raise awareness and make an impact Share findings widely by participating in key events and creating informative materials that drive transformative change in the intersection of sports and neurodegenerative disease care. Key Project Activities ● Research and insights Conduct comprehensive research to identify successful table tennis for health initiatives, combining literature review and real-world best practices. ● Training and education Develop an online training curriculum that blends neurodegenerative disease knowledge with practical table tennis methodologies, equipping trainers and caregivers with the skills to run effective programmes.

● Specialised interventions Implement and evaluate tailored table tennis programmes for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases in Greece, Bulgaria, and Spain, assessing their impact on physical, cognitive and social well-being. ● Awareness and outreach Disseminate findings through structured activities, including an informative guidebook and participation in the World Table Tennis for Health Festivals (2025 & 2026).

ABOVE Concentrating on the task in hand READ Spin for well-being: active lifestyles through therapeutic table tennis for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases

Project Target Groups ● Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases Particularly those with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, who will benefit directly from tailored table tennis interventions. ● Care providers and institutions Nursing homes, health centres, and rehabilitation facilities. ● Trainers and support staff Coaches, instructors, and carers. ● Sports and community organisations Sports clubs and federations. ● Families and patient associations Those who support individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. ● General public The wider community which supports and spreads awareness. January 2026 SWAYTHLING 69

Swaythling Club News Joe Veselsky Celebrates 107th Birthday Born in Trnava, now Slovakia, Joe Veselsky, the only surviving founder member of the Swaythling Club International, celebrated his 107th birthday on Monday 20th October. Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia when Joe was 20 years old, he joined the Resistance and survived the war in the Carpathian Mountains; when war ended in 1945, Joe had lost both his parents and his brother, all murdered in Auschwitz. Later, Joe was decorated with the Order of the Slovak National Uprising. Alongside his wife, Katarina, he escaped the Prague coup of 1948 and came to Ireland where he established his own jewellery business. Joe became Life President of the Irish Table Tennis Association and initiated the Joe Veselsky Award in recognition of endeavour and achievement in table tennis administration within the Irish association. In addition, he is the recipient of the Order of the White Double Cross, presented by the Slovakian government in 2021 for his services to sport.

Swaythling Club Members Meet at WTT Contender London Members of the English branch of the Swaythling Club International met at the WTT Contender London tournament staged from Tuesday 21st to Sunday 26th October.

ABOVE Joe Veselsky, 107 years old RIGHT back row Gloria Wagener, Beverley Godfrey middle row Mary and Brian Wright front row Don Parker, Melody Svenson, Jill Parker Richard Scruton, Sandra Deaton, Karen Tonge and Alan Ransome were also in attendance

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SWAYTHLING CLUB

Comprehensive Programme Provides Successful Formula in Quito Organised by the Ecuador section of the Swaythling Club International, in conjunction with Butterfly, Brain Fast, and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, two-day training camps were held on the weekends of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October as well on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November. Directed by Geovanny Coello throughout, at the October training camp, the first day witnessed key topics such as warm-up, service and receive, in addition strategies for managing pressure during matches were addressed. During the second day, participants participated in match simulation, applying everything they had learnt the day before.

Brain Fast, a company dedicated to neurolinguistic programming applied to high-performance sports. Next Camp Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February 2026. Together the group continues to grow, both on and off the table!

Geovanny Coello is the motivating force behind the initiative in Quito

Meanwhile, Brain Fast offered a valuable talk on invisible training, focusing on the importance of the mind, rest, and habits for high performance. At the November gathering, from the very first day, participants experienced intense training sessions focused on comprehensive competition preparation. They strengthened their physical, technical, and tactical abilities, corrected individual errors, and worked deeply on the cognitive and mental aspects essential for high-level performance. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to strategy and tactics, emphasising the unique strengths of each athlete and their application in real-game situations. On Sunday the session closed with a high-energy mini competition, where players put their newly acquired skills into practice; this was followed by a session on mental anchoring techniques to help maintain confidence and focus during decisive moments. The series of camps has the valuable support of Butterfly, who donated the official balls, and

ABOVE Players and coaches at the October training camp RIGHT Extensive support from Butterfly

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We Remember Read: Full Report Watch After Movie

Charles “Chuck” Hoey

ABOVE Shi Zhihao left at the time ITTF Executive Committee member, watched by centre Xu Yinsheng, former ITTF President, presents a plaque to right Chuck Hoey to mark his appointment in 2018 as Honorary ITTF Museum Curator

A member of the Swaythling Club International, Charles “Chuck Hoey” passed away on Thursday 11th September, some three months short of his 81st birthday; he was born on Saturday 23rd December 1944. Sadly no longer in our physical presence but the legacy bequeathed beyond compare. Built over a period of 40 years, in his role as Curator of the ITTF Museum in Lausanne he presented over 8,000 artefacts, when in 2018 the location moved to Shanghai to merge with the Chinese collection, Hoey was named Honorary Curator.

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Efforts appreciated by a wide sphere, the Smithsonian Institution acknowledged his priceless contribution; Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee, recommended his collection be displayed in the Olympic Museum. Furthermore, his work was highlighted at major exhibitions in the United States as well as in 1990 and 1991 in Tokyo; significantly, in the Japanese capital city dignitaries including His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino appreciated the contribution made to sporting history.

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In 2008, Chuck Hoey was inducted as a “Contributor” into the US Table Tennis Hall of Fame; TIM BOGGAN, a renowned historian paid tribute.

ITTF President Ichiro Ogimura had wanted this Museum, and though there was an international call for display items - particularly, photos, medals, biographies, and memorabilia of past champions - Museum plans had to be, if not abandoned, put on hold. Meanwhile, an American sports antiquarian collector (table tennis, tennis, and badminton) was amassing an unequalled collection of his own. His name was Chuck Hoey, and for a time he’d been an enthusiastic table tennis player. At the Central Ohio Intercollegiate’s, held Jan. 9-10, 1965 at the Columbus courts, Capt. Tom Banks helped his Ohio University Team win the title - but one of Bank’s losses was to Hoey, then attending Marietta College. Roy SeGuine, a friend of Chuck and the current USATT’s web master, described Chuck’s style as “defensive except for an occasional ferocious contorted backhand smash from the forehand side which he attributed to the great Zoltan (Hungary’s renowned player/coach Zoltan Berczik).”

Scott Gordon, another friend of Chuck’s who did the introductory speech for his induction at the U.S. Hall of Fame, speaks of him at one time winning a tournament with a sandpaper racket (still his preferred surface!); as well as distinguishing himself in his Army years by dominating Fort Gordon, Georgia tournaments; and, by at least partially adapting to the technology evolving in the sport, going on to win two strong Northern Virginia Club tournaments. Tim Titrud, in one of his “Net Serve” articles for the USATT magazine, quotes Chuck as saying, “I developed an old-fashioned chopper/pick-hit style back in my college days, preferring a Hock hard bat. But the sponge players (especially, as he said, those with their “long pips junk rubber”) were very difficult to compete with, though I used anti-spin for a while.” SeGuine said, “Playing this old school chopper (with junk on one side) proved invaluable in my learning to play against this type of player. It brought me patience and how to set up balls for the final put away, so when I played at the club I didn’t have a hard time against the defensive style.” When a serious back injury ended Chuck’s playing days, he of course began to concentrate the more on his collection. Indeed, he went at it u

At the 1991 Chiba, Japan World’s a Mr. Yu Tanaka had hoped to spur the establishment of an ITTF Museum in the Nagano Prefecture by arranging a large Hall-of-Fame-like exhibition in the Chiba Stadium.

LEFT The wording on the plaque presented to Chuck Hoey in 2018

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ABOVE The centre of attention at the opening of the ITTF Museum in Shanghai

with the kind of intensity and thoroughness that also made him, as SeGuine says, “a very gifted chess player, whose games were sometimes published in Chess Life magazine, and who once beat Bobby Fischer in an exhibition.” Titrud quotes Chuck as saying, “I started collecting gradually - it progressed from a casual hobby, to a strong interest, to a great passion… and finally to utter servitude - often requiring many personal sacrifices to pay for all the acquisitions. The collection goes well beyond the usual technical (equipment) coverage, focusing on vivid evidence of society’s love affair with the new game, and its blossoming into a worldclass sport.” Table Tennis Topics readers first see Chuck’s passion for collecting with his series of articles Sept.- Oct 1979, Nov.- Dec 1979, and Feb 1981that “detail (showing copies of various stamps) the philatelic history of table tennis.” He writes, “Stamp collecting can be a ravaging

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disease, whose possessed victims will do virtually anything short of armed robbery to fill a space in their collection. It has been known to reap great profits for some, financially ruin others; but for those of us somewhere in between, it is a source of constant relaxation and pleasure, worldwide friendships, and just plain fun….In contrast to other types of stamp collecting, a topic such as table tennis does not require an expensive investment. Nearly all the stamps cost less than $2 and some as little as $.10. The most costly items are the souvenir sheets from Nicaragua 1949 ($235) and the souvenir sheet from P.R. China 1961 ($85).” Collecting stamps 30 years ago may have been “constant relaxation,” but his later “servitude” to compulsively collecting every imaginable table tennis item of historic importance was anything but relaxing. It eventually led him, with his fabulously unique and expensive collection, to becoming the curator of the ITTF Museum in Lausanne,

WE REMEMBER

By 1996, the year that Hoey’s Hall of Fame presenter Scott Gordon met Chuck, SeGuine was acting as his agent, offering a takeover opportunity for what was being called “The Racket Sports Heritage Collection.” Chuck was seeking “corporate or private sponsors who could acquire the collection and provide for its future.” Here’s how it was generally described in the March-April, ‘96 issue of editor Larry Hodge’s Table Tennis World (there were also a number of specific descriptions of

items in the collection, and, along with a May-June follow-up article, photo reproductions of early Ping-Pong /Table Tennis books, postcards, greeting cards, sheet music, beautiful porcelain trophies, and rare boxed sets featuring long-handled rackets): “The collection traces the early years and evolution of lawn tennis, badminton, and table tennis through hundreds of original rackets of amazing variety, along with a handsome and diverse selection of rare fine art, stained glass, porcelains (at least 20 matching pieces, including a two-handled chocolate cup), prints and engravings, early books, medals, games, antiques advertising, and memorabilia. With its unprecedented breadth, depth, and historical texture, the collection has attracted international recognition and accolades from the Smithsonian, the Olympics President, Wimbledon, sports journals and magazines, and even Royalty.”

ABOVE The incredible collection of table tennis rackets

Switzerland. No man less driven to appreciate “find” after “find” could have made that journey to such a time and place. “I scoured the globe looking for treasures,” Chuck once said. “My sources have ranged from antique shops, antique shows, auctions, estate sales, trades with other collectors, veteran players, tips from friends around the world, and, more recently, the internet.”

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ABOVE LEFT The 1890 Foster set ABOVE CENTRE Ping Pong Diplomacy remembered at the ITTF Museum in Shanghai

Gordon said that Chuck did sell “his huge tennis and badminton collections to their respective associations,” but wanted to hold on to the table tennis, hoping to find a suitable place for it in the U.S. After all, as Scott said, “The collection was put together in America, by a nativeborn American citizen.” “Having built a collection worth hundreds of thousands of dollars that very much interested Asian buyers, Chuck knew that any acceptance of a bid would represent significant financial security for him. But the collection was his love, and he wanted to ensure that it was kept intact and shared with the world, not be hoarded away by some rich collector.” Eventually the ITTF came to its senses - bought the collection and hired Hoey “to oversee it and ensure its proper maintenance and presentation.” This Chuck would do by moving from the U.S. to live in a chateau in Lausanne, bought by the ITTF, which would become the famous Museum. Gordon, after visiting it in person, said, “I never

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learned so much about the history of the game as I did during Chuck’s colourful tour.” That reminded me of Chuck’s on-the-road shows, his moveable mini-Museums in Guangzhou and Shanghai, in Zagreb and Bremen (13,700 visitors there, many of them enjoying like me, the “Mini Theatre,” where I was fascinated to see again Bobby Gusikoff’s Legends showing the greats of yesteryear). I sure echo Scott’s admiration for Chuck - the more so when I think how much work he faced in any Tour Exhibition start-up and take-down, and how much tension he endured worrying that priceless items might be lost or stolen in transit. A year or two into the new millennium, only parts of Hoey’s extensive collection were viewable on a website, but now coverage has been greatly expanded, new prized pieces are constantly being added, e-mail volume is up, and Gordon, as Chuck says, “has provided invaluable assistance by converting old films to DVD, and preparing highlights for the Museum video exhibits.

WE REMEMBER

Also, Table Tennis Collector magazines are available for downloading. And ever since the formal opening of the Museum on May 18, 2004, the ITTF magazine, Table Tennis Illustrated, has carried articles and photos giving us more and more knowledge about what wonders the Museum holds (for example, “the only known example of the first game of table tennis, Foster’s Parlour Lawn Tennis, made in 1990”).

china, jewelry, crystal, clothing, photography, ornaments, music, artwork from around the world, autographs, etc. Of course, every major player scrupulously chronicled and featured.

ABOVE RIGHT Very much up-todate, the Olympic Games featured in Shanghai

Life-size figures, trophies, medals, and programs from every major tournament in history. There are even touch-screen flat television monitors suspended from the ceiling allowing visitors to select and watch great players and events from the past to the present.”

Of course, whether one tours the Museum in person or via the web, he/she can understand how paragraphs, even pages, can be written about the history of many an item (the strange uses of ping-pong balls, for instance). But though nothing can take the place of the reader actually seeing the presentations, here’s Gordon’s but-touched-upon summary of what the Museum contains:

As Chuck says, “The workload in creating a world-class Museum is an ongoing challenge. It requires a large dose of passion, positive thinking, perseverance, patience, and a little help from our friends [sponsors Liebherr, DHS, and Joola]. Let’s hope that Chuck, who’ll be 65 next December, doesn’t give himself (no one else will) the Christmas present of retirement.

“The scope of the Museum is staggering…. Nearly every conceivable artifact is there equipment from every era, documents, carefully catalogued and computerised, going back over 100 years, ephemera of every imaginable type -

But then how could he retire from something that every day is genie-magical to him, with the never - ending thrill of wishes and surprises waiting to be discovered, seen, treasured – shared. January 2026 SWAYTHLING 77

year, when unavailable to direct coaching, he sent his son Gorazd. Unfortunately, there was no permanent appointment, coaching for Para players capable of competing at international level lacked structure. Andreja Dolinar recalls. “An important year, at least for me, was 1999, we were left without a coach during the season, just before the Paralympic Games in Sydney”, she reminisced. “There was not much hope that anyone would qualify; well, me and Sašo Šuligoj succeeded.” The outlook was bleak but at the end of February 2000 came not just a ray of hope, a beam of bright shining light. “Mr. Jože Okorn introduced Gorazd; the very next day everything changed, training from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm each day from Monday to Friday; the results spoke for themselves, everything paid off, in 2002, I was ranked seventh in the world; third in my class” continued Dolinar. “Meanwhile, in the middle of 2001, Mateja Pintar contacted me; we agreed that she would come to our training in Ljubljana, meet the team and the coach.”

Gorazd Vecko Gorazd Vecko passed away on Friday 24th October, the news stunned, you had to read the announcement time and again to make sure you were not mistaken; only 53 years old, sadly, there was no error. Even more poignant was the fact that some 18 months earlier, on Monday 26th February 2024, in London, he had received an Honorary MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his services to Paralympic sport; an honour rarely bestowed on a non-British citizen. ABOVE Awarded by His Majesty King Charles III and in London presented by Stuart Andrew MP left, on Monday 26th February 2024, right Gorazd Vecko received an Honorary MBE

Born on Sunday 9th July 1972 in Ljubljana, the link with Para table tennis started in 1997, at the time Gorazd’s father, Edvard was the Para national team coach. Edvard had been a member of a legendary Yugoslav men’s team of the late 1960s, most memorably Swaythling Club bronze medallists at the 1969 World Championships in Munich. The 1997 European Para Championships in Stockholm was very much his farewell, starting in August of that

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At the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, Gorazd guided Mateja Pintar to gold in women’s singles class 3, just as with Dolinar his motivational skills steered his charge to new heights. She knew he was one hundred per cent on her side, she only had to look at him, and the message was crystal clear; his hair was dyed in the colours of the Slovenian flag! The supreme supporter, even at the Perfect 2016 World Team Championships in Kuala Lumpur, nothing whatsoever to do with Para table tennis, as England progressed to gain bronze in the men’s team event, one voice from the tiered seating behind the control desk could be heard above all others. Gorazd wanted his adopted country to win! Quite simply he gave heart and soul to the cause; most importantly, a player knew that if defeat was experienced, and that happens in all sports whatever the pedigree of the coach, they had a shoulder on which to cry, a father figure who could lift them from the depths of despair to the very pinnacle of triumph. Just as he sent the message “I want you to win”, he sent the equally vital communication: “I care!” The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games was the classic example; he restored the brain of Great Britain’s Will Bayley to full working capacity. Four years earlier in London, Bayley, a favourite for

WE REMEMBER

gold, had lost in the men’s singles class 7 final to Germany’s Jochen Wollmert, four years later in Rio, the top seed, the Brit lost his first match of the tournament to the host nation’s Israel Stroh, desolation. First and second in each group progressing to the main draw, the door was still open, but a mighty task awaited, he had to beat Liao Keli to advance; facing an adversary from China can prove a mighty mental task, for many, their players possess a certain awe.

One wonders, had it not been for Gorazd’s skill in rejuvenating the British player after his initial loss, would that celebration ever have taken place? Gold for Bayley, likewise there was gold in men’s singles class 1 for Rob Davies. Immediately following the Rio 2008 Paralympic Games the British Para Table Tennis Association appointed Gorazd as Performance Director.

ABOVE Hair suitably dyed as Gorazd watches Mateja Pintar progress at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games LEFT Gold in Rio de Janeiro, Gorazd and Will Bayley celebrate

Furthermore, the results underlined the family policy he fostered; everybody together, everybody pulling in the same direction, in true Musketeer style: “all for one and one for all”. Training sessions based at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, time and again when a player was asked if it was a tiring journey travelling to the city renowned for steel, the response was prompt: “no not at all, I live with Gorazd!”

Ask anyone the photo they remember the most about Gorazd, the vote will go in favour of him lifting Bayley in the air in celebration.

Quite simply, Gorazd transformed British Para Table Tennis, a synopsis of the results at the Paralympic Games endorses that fact. Under his leadership

Bayley responded, prevailed in straight games, finished in top spot in the group on games ratio, duly progressed to the final where once again he faced Stroh, this time recovering from an opening game deficit to record a four games win. Gorazd kept his player focused on the task in hand; stay calm the instruction, step by step was the policy, when the last point was won, gold, mission accomplished, unbridled delight.

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the British team won four medals at London 2012 and three at Rio 2016. Later, at Tokyo 2020 the team secured seven medals, marking its most successful Paralympic Games in the modern era; this was followed by five medals at Paris 2024. Resident in the United Kingdom, elected VicePresident of Table Tennis England, a member of the ITTF Para Committee, Gorazd served as Tournament Director for the International 80 SWAYTHLING January 2026

Table Tennis Federation for Para events from 2009 to 2015. Serving the sport of table tennis whatever the country in question was his forte. Amidst all endeavours he never lost the connection with his roots. Every year he was a major figure at the “I Feel Slovenia Thermana Lasko Para Open”; his efforts and enthusiasm major reasons why the gathering has become one of the most established Para tournaments of all.

The event dates back to Sunday 1st May 2005, Gorazd, alongside the Paraplegic Association of Slovenia, organised the first Para table tennis tournament in the town. One year later, major progress, proceedings came under the auspices of the Slovenian Association for Sports for the Disabled and the Slovenian Paralympic Committee. In Lasko he created a situation in which players and coaches from throughout the world felt

ABOVE Gorazd with the British Team in 2025 in Lasko, the family feeling exemplified

welcome, comfortable and valued. In an era when Para sport was gradually gaining recognition, Gorazd had self-belief, in Lasko he established a model for others to follow; the tournament is his legacy. He is survived by his father Edvard, wife Sabina, children Pia and Alex, grand children Zara and Filip. He was buried on Thursday 30th October at the Zale cemetery in Ljubljana, the day following his father’s 81st birthday. January 2026 SWAYTHLING 81

The ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu 82 SWAYTHLING January 2026

IN FOCUS A review of international tournaments staged in October, November and December 2025 January 2026 SWAYTHLING 83

World Table Tennis

Hong Kong Brings Down Curtain on old year Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto and China’s Wang Manyu brought the year to a close winning the respective men’s and women’s singles titles at the WTT Finals in Hong Kong; for Wang Manyu she added to the title won in early October at the China Smash in Beijing, for Tomokazu Harimoto it was better fortunes than in recent months. In late October he had been beaten in the men’s singles final at the WTT Contender London, losing to Germany’s Dang Qiu, before at the Champions tournaments in Montpellier and Frankfurt, on each occasion, experiencing a last 16 defeat, in the former to Frenchman Alexis Lebrun, in the latter when facing another German in the guise of Dimitrij Ovtcharov.

ABOVE Tomokazu Harimoto won in Hong Kong FACING Success for Yang Haeun in Parma

At the final hurdle in Hong Kong, Tomokazu Harimoto accounted for Sweden’s Truls Moregard, the winner in Montpellier when overcoming Sora Matsushima, the Japanese teenager climbing one step higher the following week when overcoming Dang Qiu in the Frankfurt final. Meanwhile, Wang Manyu overcame colleague Kuai Man, successful in January at the Star Contender Doha; a win that followed the success of

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colleague Wang Yidi in Montpellier and Korea Republic’s Yang Haeun at the WTT Feeder Parma. Success for Yang Haeun ended a quite remarkable run of women’s singles success for Japan, six in total in a two-month period; moreover six different players. Miwa Harimoto won in London, Hina Hayata in Frankfurt; at the WTT Feeder tournaments, Misuzu Takeya prevailed in Vila Nova de Gaia to be followed by Hitomo Sato in Gdansk. Soon after Miyuu Kihara secured top prize at the Star Contender Muscat, Kaho Akae at the Feeder Düsseldorf. First ever WTT women’s singles titles for Misuzu Takeya and Miyuu Kihara; in the men’s singles as the year came to an end, it was the same for Portugal’s Joăo Geraldo; Germany’s Win Verdonschot and Frenchman Joe Seyfried. Win Verdonschot won in Gdansk, Joăo Geraldo in Parma. Notable wins but pick of the bunch was Joe Seyfried. He won in consecutive weeks in Düsseldorf and Parma, the successes coming after colleague Felix Lebrun, the winner earlier in the year in Tunis, had overcome elder brother Alexis in the Muscat final.

WORLD TABLE TENNIS CHINA SMASH, BEIJING Thursday 25th September - Sunday 5th October

WTT CHAMPIONS FRANKFURT, GERMANY Tuesday 4th - Sunday 9th November

WTT STAR CONTENDER MUSCAT, OMAN Monday 17th - Saturday 22nd November

Men’s Singles W: Wang Chuqin (CHN) RU: Felix Lebrun (FRA) Women’s Singles W: Wang Manyu (CHN) RU: Sun Yingsha (CHN)

Men’s Singles W: Sora Matsushima (JPN) RU: Dang Qiu (GER) Women’s Singles W: Hina Hayata (JPN) RU: Miwa Harimoto (JPN)

Men’s Singles W: Felix Lebrun (FRA) RU: Alexis Lebrun (FRA) Women’s Singles W: Miyuu Kihara (JPN) RU: Joo Cheonhui (KOR)

Men’s Doubles W: Lin Shidong/Wang Chuqin (CHN) RU: Chen Junsong/Zhou Qihao (CHN) Women’s Doubles W: Shi Xunyao/Zhang Xiangyu (CHN) RU: Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman (CHN)

Full Details: WTT Champions Frankfurt

Men’s Doubles W: Lim Jonghoon/Oh Junsung (KOR) RU: Pang Koen/Izaac Quek (SGP) Women’s Doubles W: Satsuki Odo/Sakura Yokoi (JPN) RU: Joo Cheonhui/Kim Nayeong (KOR)

Mixed Doubles W: Lin Yun-Ju/Cheng I-Ching (TPE) RU: Wong Chun Ting/Doo Hoi Kem (HKG) WTT STAR CONTENDER LONDON, ENGLAND Tuesday 21st - Sunday 26th October Men’s Singles W: Dang Qiu (GER) RU: Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) Women’s Singles W: Miwa Harimoto (JPN) RU: Hina Hayata (JPN) Men’s Doubles W: Feng Yi-Hsin/Kuo Guan-Hong (TPE) RU: Baldwin Chan/Wong Chun Ting (HKG) Women’s Doubles W: Kuai Man/Wang Manyu (CHN) RU: Hina Hayata/Joo Cheonhui (JPN/KOR) Mixed Doubles W: Wang Chuqin/Sun Yingsha (CHN) RU: Huang Youzheng/Chen Yi (CHN) Full Details: China Smash

WTT CHAMPIONS MONTPELLIER, FRANCE Tuesday 28th October - Sunday 2nd November Men’s Singles W: Truls Moregard (SWE) RU: Sora Matsushima (JPN) Women’s Singles W: Wang Yidi (CHN) RU: Sabine Winter (GER) Full Details: WTT Champions Montpellier

WTT FEEDER, VILA NOVA DE GAIA, PORTUGAL Wednesday 5th - Sunday 9th November Men’s Singles W: João Geraldo (POR) RU: Alvaro Robles (ESP) Women’s Singles W: Misuzu Takeya (JPN) RU: Natalia Bajor (POL) Men’s Doubles W: Hiromu Kobayashi/Fumiya Igarashi (JPN) RU: Daniele Pinto/Federico Vallino (ITA) Women’s Doubles W: Mateja Jeger/Lea Rakovac (CRO) RU: Karen Lyne/Tee Ai Xin (MAS) Mixed Doubles W: Alvaro Robles/Maria Xiao (ESP) RU: Wong Qi Shen/Tee Ai Xin (MAS) Full Details: WTT Feeder Vila Nova de Gaia WTT FEEDER GDANSK, POLAND Monday 10th - Friday 14th November Men’s Singles W: Wim Verdonschot (GER) RU: Cho Daeseong (KOR) Women’s Singles W: Hitomi Sato (JPN) RU: Kim Seongjin (KOR) Men’s Doubles W: Fumiya Igarashi/Taisei Matsushita (JPN) RU: Lubomir Pistej/Jakub Zelinka (SVK) Women’s Doubles W: Hitomi Sato/Sakura Yokoi (JPN) RU: Kheith Cruz/Sally Moyland (PHI/USA) Mixed Doubles W: Lubomir Pistej/Tatiana Kukulkova RU: Kwon Hyuk/Kim Seongjin (KOR) Full Details: WTT Feeder Gdansk

Mixed Doubles W: Satoshi Aida/Hitomi Sato (JPN) RU: Lin Yun-Ju/Cheng I-Ching (TPE) Full Details: WTT Star Contender Muscat WTT FEEDER DÜSSELDORF II, GERMANY Monday 24th - Thursday 27th November Men’s Singles W: Joe Seyfried (FRA) RU: Tom Jarvis (ENG) Women’s Singles W: Kaho Akae (JPN) RU: Kim Seongjin (KOR) Men’s Doubles W: Kazuki Hamada/Kanta Tokuda (JPN) RU: Amirreza Abbasi/Ronit Bhanja (MLT/IND) Women’s Doubles W: Kaho Akae/Rin Mende (JPN) RU: Kim Seongjin/Lee Daeun (KOR) Mixed Doubles W: Shunsuke Okano/Kyoka Idesawa (JPN) RU: Luka Mladenovic/Barbora Varady (LUX/SVK) Full Details: WTT Feeder Düsseldorf II WTT FEEDER PARMA, ITALY Saturday 29th - Wednesday 3rd December Men’s Singles W: Joe Seyfried (FRA) RU: Marcos Freitas (POR) Women’s Singles W: Yang Haeun (KOR) RU: Kako Akae (JPN) Men’s Doubles W: Shunsuke Okano/Jo Yokotani (JPN) RU: Tiago Apolonia/Marcos Freitas (POR) Women’s Doubles W: Kaho Akae/Rin Mende (JPN) RU:Choi Seoyeon/Lee Daeun (KOR) Mixed Doubles W: Jang Seongil/Yang Haeun (KOR) RU: Cho Seungmin/Yoo Siwoo (KOR) Full Details: WTT Feeder Parma WTT FINALS, HONG KONG Wednesday 10th - Sunday 14th December Men’s Singles W: Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) RU: Truls Moregard (SWE) Women’s Singles W: Wang Manyu (CHN) RU: Kuai Man (CHN) Mixed Doubles W: Lim Jonghoon/Shin Yubin (KOR) RU: Wang Chuqin/Sun Yingsha (CHN)

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World Table Tennis Youth Mao Takamori Sets the Standard Commencing in Podgorica in mid-October, Japan’s Mao Takamori was very much the player to note in the last three months of the year; at the Youth Contender tournament she won both the under 19 and under 17 girls’ singles titles, just a few days later at the Star Contender in the same venue she repeated her under 19 success. Notably, in all three finals she accounted for colleague Kokomi Ishida, a player who did not depart Montenegro without gold, at the Youth Star Contender she captured the under 15 girls’ singles top prize. Soon after in the United States, it was a full house in San Francisco. Mao Takamori secured the under 19 and under 17 girls’ singles titles in addition to winning the under 19 mixed doubles alongside the host nation’s Bosman Botha.

ABOVE Mao Takamori in outstanding form, titles in Podgorica and in San Francisco

Impressive performances from Mao Takamori, it was the same from colleague Miku Matsushima as it was from Iran’s Vania Yavari, China’s Liu Zihang and Austria’s Louis Fegerl. At Youth Contender tournaments, in Szombathely, Miku Matsushima concluded play the under 17 girls’ singles runner up, before winning the under 19 title; one month later in December she claimed both in Damman. Success for Miku Matsushima in Damman, it was the same for Vania Yavari, she donned the

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under 15 girls’ singles crown having the previous month in Sulaymaniyah emerged the under 19 and under 17 winner. Likewise, Szombathely was a happy hunting ground for Liu Zihang. He repeated his earlier success in Lignano by winning the under 15 boys’ singles, having in Senec finished in runners up spot. However, in Senec there was more than compensation, he secured under 17 boys’ singles gold. Consistent performances, from Louis Fegerl it was no different; in Cairo he won both the under 15 and under 13 boys’ singles, in Lignano he replicated the under 13 success. Meanwhile, not to be overshadowed, for the girls, Spain’s Maria Berzosa enjoyed under 17 success in Lignano and Senec, India’s Ankolika Chakraborty won under 15 titles in Tunis and Dubai. Similarly, Brianca Borges secured under 13 gold in Podgorica and Senec, Olesia Ilina, an independent athlete, claimed under 11 victories in Tunis and Dubai. Joining the party Chinese Taipei’s Chen Min-Hsin gained under 19 and under 17 titles in Tunis as did India’s Prisha Goel in Caracas. In a comparable vein, for the boys, there was under 19 and under 17 gold for Japan’s Ryuusei Kawakami in Podgorica and Poland’s Patryk Zyworonek in Cairo; likewise, Ryuya Kojima, also from Japan, won the under 15 and under 13 boys’ singles titles in San Francisco.

WORLD TABLE TENNIS YOUTH WTT YOUTH CONTENDER TUNIS, TUNISIA Wednesday 8th - Saturday 11th October

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO Monday 13th - Thursday 16th October

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tuesday 21st - Friday 24th October

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Aleksei Samokhin (AIN) RU: Matthew Kuti (NGR) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Chen Min-Hsin (TPE) RU: Anastasiia Ivanova (AIN) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Ilia Koniukhov/Eseniia Shirokova (AIN) RU: Aleksei Samokhin/Zlata Terekhova (AIN)

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Ryuusei Kawakami (JPN) RU: Flavio Mourier (FRA) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Mao Takamori (JPN) RU: Kokomi Ishida (JPN) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Robert Istrate/Edmarie Leon (ROU/PUR) RU: Giacomo Izzo/Syndrela Das (ITA/IND)

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Lee Hyeonho (KOR) RU: Ma Yeongmin (KOR) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Esniia Shirokova (AIN) RU: Avani Tripathi (IND) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Ma Yeongmin/Lee Dahye (KOR) RU: Kim Eunseo/Lee Hyeonho (KOR)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Wassim Essid (TUN) RU: Evgenii Vasikov (AIN) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Chen Min-Hsin (TPE) RU: Aleksandra Bokova (AIN)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Ryuusei Kawakami (JPN) RU: Ma Yeongmin (KOR) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Mao Takamori (JPN) RU: Kokomi Ishida (JPN)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Muhammad Junindra (INA) RU: Evgenii Dosov (AIN) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Kavya Bhatt (IND) RU: Zlata Terekhova (AIN)

Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Arishia Lorestani (IRI) RU: Evgenii Dosov (AIN) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Ankolika Chakraborty (IND) RU: Manon Loth (ITA) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Evguenii Dosov/Varvara Tolmacheva (AIN) RU: Aylan Goudjil/Jade Morice (ALG)

Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Titouan Morel-Gonzales (FRA) RU: Quentin Sandona (FRA) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Karin Hanazawa (JPN) RU: Bianca Borges (BRA) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Ma Yeongjun/Kim Gyurin (KOR) RU: Noah Tessier/Yoana Kirilova (FRA/BUL)

Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Evgenii Dosov (AIN) RU: Chirag Pradhan (USA) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Ankolika Chakraborty (IND) RU: Mariia Maksimova (AIN) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Kim Jihu/Kim Gyurin (KOR) RU: Lee Juchan/Shin Hyorin (KOR)

Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Kirill Kantaev (AIN) RU: Matvei Manankov (AIN) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Daria Kharlova (AIN) RU: Olesia Ilina (AIN)

Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Soen Bonnet (FRA) RU: Noah Lebrasseur (FRA) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Bianca Borges (BRA) RU: Barbora Guassardo (SVK)

Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Prateek Tulsani (IND) RU: Matvei Manankov (AIN) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Sie Jhih-Chen (TPE) RU: Tanishka Kalbhairav (IND)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Andya Mohammed (IRQ) RU: Nikan Shirvani (IRI) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Olesia Ilina (AIN) RU: Ritej Chérif (TUN)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Juraj de Miguel (SVK) RU: Denat Makolli (KOS) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Martina Golosmanova (BUL) RU: Julija Mitric (MNE)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Joseph Sebatindira (UGA) RU: Nikan Shirvani (RI) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Olesia Ilina (AIN) RU: Patience Anyango (UGA)

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Tunis

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Podgorica

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Dubai

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER PERTH, AUSTRALIA Wednesday 8th - Saturday 11th October

WTT YOUTH STAR CONTENDER PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO Friday 17th - Sunday 19th October

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER CARACAS II, VENEZUELA Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th October

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Timothy Choi (NZL) RU: Kumar Harshit (NGR) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Chen Chai-I (TPE) RU: Li Cheuk Tung (NZL) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Lai Yong Han/Constantina Psihogios (MAS/AUS) RU: Sudhanshu Maini/Jennifer Varghese (IND)

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Hung Che-Yen (TPE) RU: Emanuel Otalvaro (COL) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Mao Takamori (JPN) RU: Kokomi Ishida (JPN)

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Carlos Rios (VEN) RU: Yeifrer Yoandri Soteldo (VEN) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Prisha Goel (IND) RU: Nathacha Mata (VEN)

Under 19 Boys’ Doubles W: Nathan Lam/Nathan Pilard (FRA) RU: Ryuusei Kawakami/Soma Ono (JPN) Under 19 Girls’ Doubles W: Divyanshi Bhowmick/Syndrela Das (IND) RU: Natalia Bogdanowicz/Edmarie Leon (POL/PUR)

Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Jonathan Vegas/Nathacha Mata (VEN) RU: Carlos Rios/Dakota Ferrer (COL)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Lai Yong Ren (MAS) RU: Chang Ting Chia (AUS) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Jennifer Varghese (IND) RU: Constantina Psihogios (AUS) Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Lai Yong Ren (MAS) RU: Chang Ting Chia (AUS) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Ardhya Dhingra (AUS) RU: Kavyaa Madaan (AUS) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Lai Yong Han/Qinle Xia (MAS/AUS) RU: Aaron Nguyen/Daisy Xie (AUS) Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Koh Wei Yeow (MAS) RU: Lucas Alexandre (NZL) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Qinle Xia (AUS) RU: Yannis Li (AUS)

Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Nathan Pilard/Nina Guo Zheng (FRA) RU: Ma Yeongmin/Lee Haelin (KOR) Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Soma Ono (JPN) RU: Sora Okada (JPN) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Kokomi Ishida (JPN) RU: Divyanshi Bhowmick (IND) Under 15 Boys’ Doubles W: Ma Yeongjun/Ma Yeongmin (KOR) RU: Quentin Sandona/Noah Tessier (FRA) Under 15 Girls’ Doubles W: Kim Gyurin/Laa Haelin (KOR) RU: Eva Lam/Albane Rochut (FRA)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Sudanshu Maini (IND) RU: Bhaskar Sugra (IND) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Prisha Goel (IND) RU: Nathacha Mata (VEN) Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Angel Hernandez (VEN) RU: Emmanuel Salcedo (VEN) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Gabriela Lopez (VEN) RU: Carla Salvatierra (VEN) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Joaquin Marin/Alondra Gonzalez (VEN) RU: Adam Perez/Carla Salvatierra (VEN) Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Emmanuel Salcedo (VEN) RU: Jonas Golding (VEN) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Carla Salvatierra (VEN) RU: Andrea Gomez (VEN)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Lucas Alexandre (NZL) RU: Samuel Win (AUS) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Angela Yuan (AUS) RU: Zhu Lin (AUS)

Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Ladimir Mayorov/Renata Shypsha (ESP) RU: Quentin Sandona/Albane Rochut (FRA)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Jeronimo Jimenez (COL) RU: Fernando Castano (VEN) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Loriadni Pineda (VEN) RU: Jhonaiderlin Gomez (VEN)

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Perth

Full Details: WTT Youth Star Contender Podgorica

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Caracas II

January 2026 SWAYTHLING 87

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER LIGNANO, ITALY Monday 3rd - Sunday 9th November Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Felipe Arado (BRA) RU: Flavio Mourier (FRA) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Sara Tokic (SLO) RU: Constantina Psihogios (AUS) Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Nathan Pilard (FRA) RU: Lucas Romanski (BRA) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Maria Berzosa (ESP) RU: Constantina Psihogios (AUS) Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Liu Zihang (CHN) RU: Min Ming (CHN) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Renata Shypsha (ESP) RU: Kavyaa Madaan (AUS) Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Louis Fegerl (AUT) RU: Simon Clin (FRA) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Enya Hu (SUI) RU: Michelle Wu (SUI) Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Taavi Samaraweera (SRI) RU: Habib Azhar (MAS) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Choi Sun (KOR) RU: Choi Yeoon (KOR) WTT YOUTH CONTENDER SENEC, SLOVAKIA Monday 3rd - Sunday 9th November Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Leonardo IIzuka (BRA) RU: Dominykas Samoulis (DEN) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Constantina Psihogios (AUS) RU: Daria Kovalova (UKR) ABOVE Patryk Zyworonek won both the under 19 and under 17 boys’ singles titles in Cairo

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER CAIRO, EGYPT Wednesday 29th October - Saturday 1st November

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER SAN FRANCISCO IV, USA Wednesday 29th October - Saturday 1st November

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Patryk Zyworonek (POL) RU: Badr Mostafa (EGY) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Mariam Younes (NGR) RU: Yara El-Badawy (EGY) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Omar Ehab/Habiba El-Basoumy (EGY) RU: Yassin Gaber/Yara El-Badawy (EGY)

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Chulong Nie (AUS) RU: Kef Noorani (USA) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Mao Takamori (JPN) RU: Tashiya Piyadasa (USA) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Bosman Botha/Mao Takamori (USA/JPN) RU: Chulong Nie/Mandy Yu (AUS/USA)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Patryk Zyworonek (POL) RU: Yahia El-Moursi EGY) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Yara El-Badawy (EGY) RU: Vaishnavi Jaiswal (EGY)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Enrique Rios (PUR) RU: Tanish Pendse (USA) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Mao Takamori (JPN) RU: Kim Sohee (KOR)

Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Louis Fegerl (AUT) RU: Asser Sameh (EGY) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Varya Jain (IND) RU: Khadeeja El-Hakim (EGY) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Asser Sameh/Farida Thabet (EGY) RU: Yahia El-Moursi/Daleela Mahgoub (EGY)

Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Ryuya Kojima (TPE) RU: Lee Seunghoon (KOR) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Kim Sohee (KOR) RU: Yoo Jiwoo (KOR) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Jaden Jia/Abigail Yu (USA) RU: Ryuya Kojima/Alice Chen (TPE/USA)

Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Louis Fegerl (AUT) RU: Mohammed Al-Musayebi (EGY) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Vary Jain (IND) RU: Malak Zaki (EGY)

Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Ryuya Kojima (TPE) RU: Daniel Ho (USA) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Alice Chen (USA) RU: Isabella Joseph (USA)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Rabesh Al-Kuwari (QAT) RU: Mubarak Al-Qutaiti (QAT) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Vedika Jaiswal (IND) RU: Salma Keritam (EGY)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Wiliam Jin (USA) RU: Titus Ho (USA) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Shriya Kodaty (USA) RU: Tanisha Balamurugan (USA)

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Cairo

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender San Francisco IV

88 SWAYTHLING January 2026

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Liu Zihang (CHN) RU: Hamilton Yamane (BRA) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Maria Berzosa (ESP) RU: Jeong Yein (KOR) Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Li Shangjun (CHN) Liu Zihang (CHN) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Kavyaa Madaan (AUS) RU: Lisa Zhao (FRA) Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Marcos Gomez (ESP) RU: Filip Nagy (SVK) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Bianca Borges (BRA) RU: Adela Brhelova (CZE) Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Michal Tarakan (POL) RU: Nathaniel Lim (SGP) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Choi Yeoon (KOR) RU: Racha Loghraibi (QAT) Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Senec

WORLD TABLE TENNIS YOUTH WTT YOUTH CONTENDER SZOMBATHELY, HUNGARY Tuesday 11th - Friday 14th November

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER DAMMAN, SAUDI ARABIA Sunday 7th - Wednesday 10th December

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Robert Istrate (ROU) RU: Balazs Lei (HUN) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Miku Matsushima (JPN) RU: Koharu Itagaki (GER) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Noah Vitel/Nina Guo Zheng (FRA) RU: Mateusz Sakowicz/Katarzyna Rajkowska (POL)

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Benyamin Faraji (IRI) RU: Mohammad Habibi (IRI) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Miku Matsushima (JPN) RU: Li Cheuk Tung (NZL) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Abdulla Mamay/Alissa Tsvigun (KAZ) RU: Youssef El-Ewa/Habiba El-Baoumy (EGY)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Danilo Faso (ITA) RU: Nazarii Solodkyi (UKR) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Nina Guo Zheng (FRA) RU: Miku Matsushima (JPN)

Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Erfan Yazdanbakhsh (IRI) RU: Mohammad Habibi (IRI) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Miku Matsushima (JPN) RU: Rokaia Elbaz (QAT)

Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Mohammadsobhan Yahyaei (IRI) RU: Pakzad Rahimyan (IRQ) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Athmar Naser (IRQ) RU: Sarina Jahanshawi (IRI) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Eshaan Nayak/Hawraa Abualsebah (IRQ) RU: Rakan Al-Zoubi/Chinthanaya Nandagopal (JOR/IND)

Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Liu Zihang (CHN) RU: Xu Minghao (CHN) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Eva Lam (FRA) RU: Lucja Kobosz (POL) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Tien Nghia Phong/Lotta Rothfuss (GER) RU: Nolan Johnston/Eva Lam (FRA)

Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Abdulrahman Al Taher (KSA) RU: Alexey Markin (KAZ) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Vania Yavari (IRI) RU: Rokaia Elbaz (QAT) Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Alexey Markin/Ainaz Adilgereyeva (KAZ) RU: Kirill Bernikov/Arailym Sapabek (KAZ)

Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Rakzad Rahimyan (IRI) RU: Rawezh Majeed (IRQ) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Chinthanaya Nandagopal (IND) RU: Artmis Arabi (IRI)

Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Jeffrey Wei (GER) RU: Simon Clun (FRA) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Han Gayeon (KOR) RU: Lulie Duchet (FRA)

Under 13 Boys’ Singles W: Koh Wei Yeow (MAS) RU: Dimitar Dimitrov (ENG) Under 13 Girls’ Singles W: Zhaniya Bekumukhambet (KAZ) RU: Malak Zaki (EGY)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Amireza Khosravi (IRI) RU: Karrar Ali (IRQ) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Artmis Arabi (IRI) RU: Elaf Jawad (IRQ)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Joo Eojin (KOR) RU: Kang Dohyun (KOR) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Jung Ahyun (KOR) RU: Choi Sun (KOR)

Under 11 Boys’ Singles W: Yasin Shoaritehrani (IRI) RU: Parham Bayat (IRI) Under 11 Girls’ Singles W: Racha Loghraibi (QAT) RU: Adelya Alzhanova (KAZ)

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Sulaymaniyah

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Szombathely

Full Details: WTT Youth Contender Damman

LEFT Maria Berzosa won in Lignano and Senec

ABOVE Vanya Yavara enjoyed success in Sulamaniyah and Damman

WTT YOUTH CONTENDER SULAYMANIYAH, IRAQ Wednesday 5th - Saturday 8th November Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Faraz Shakiba (IRI) RU: Mobin Amiri (IRI) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Vania Yavari (IRI) RU: Yekta Larkian (IRI) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Hayder Mnade/Nesmah Hameed (IRQ) RU: Abdulghaffar/Barin Jamal (IRQ) Under 17 Boys’ Singles W: Mohammad Habibi (IRI) RU: Faraz Shakiba (IRI) Under 17 Girls’ Singles W: Vania Yavari (IRI) RU: Yetka Larkian (IRI)

January 2026 SWAYTHLING 89

International

Qin Yuxuan maintains Chinese traditions The most successful nation in the tournament’s history, Qin Yuxuan maintained China’s record of excellence at the ITTF World Youth Championships in the Romanian city of Cluj Napoca.

ABOVE Three gold and one silver for Qin Yuxuan at the ITTF World Youth Championships FACING Gold in the under 19 boys’ team and boys’ singles, boys’ doubles silver

In the under 19 age group, she finished just one step short of a full house; vital to girls’ team gold, later she partnered Li Hechen to mixed doubles success, before concluding matters by securing the girls’ singles crown. At the final hurdle, she overcame colleague Zong Geman to claim the top prize, the player with whom she had finished girls’ doubles runner up in a history making final. The duo experienced defeat at the hands of the combination formed by Germany’s Mia Griesel and Wales’ Ann Hursey. Significantly, It was the first time since the tournament, originally the World Junior Championships, first held in 2003 in Chile and the age group being under 18, that any doubles event in the more senior category had been secured by a pair comprising players from different ITTF member associations.

90 SWAYTHLING January 2026

Conversely, such an occurrence in the under 15 age group is not that unusual. In 2021 Félix Lebrun of France and Japan’s Sora Matsushima enjoyed boys’ doubles success, one year later it was the same outcome for Slovakia’s Samuel Arpas and Hungary’s Balazs Lei, as it was in the mixed doubles for Kazakhstan’s Alan Kurmangaliyev and Egypt’s Hana Goda. Impressive from Qin Yuxuan, it was very similar from Ryuusei Kawakami. A crucial member of Japan’s successful under 19 boys’ team, soon after he won the boys’ singles title, having earlier secured boys’ doubles silver alongside Kazuki Yoshiyama, the pair losing to Chinese Taipei’s in form Hsien-Chia and Kuo GuanHong. Meanwhile, in the under 15 age group Chinese Taipei and Japan won the respective boys’ and girls’ team titles. China dominated the individual events, Yu Haiyang being the player to impress. He won the boys’ singles and with Zhiu Guanzhong the boys’ doubles, having finished in mixed doubles runners up spot partnering Zhu Qihui.

INTERNATIONAL EUROPE YOUTH TOP 10, TOURS, FRANCE Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th October Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Nathan Lam (FRA) RU: Daniel Berzosa (ESP) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Nina Guo Zheng (FRA) RU: Leana Hochart (FRA) Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Francesco Trevisan (ITA) RU: Gorkem Öçal (TUR) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Koharu Itagaki (GER) RU: Alexia Nodin (FRA)

ITTF-AFRICA CHAMPIONSHIPS, TUNIS, TUNISIA Sunday 12th - Sunday 19th October

Men’s Doubles W: Leonardo Iizuka/Guilherme Teodoro (BRA) RU: Nicolas Burgos/Gustavo Gomez (CHI) Women’s Doubles W: Lucia Cordero/Hidalynn Zapata (ARG) RU: Clio Barcenas/Arantxa Cossio (MEX) Mixed Doubles W: Hugo Calderano/Bruna Takahashi (BRA) RU: Steven Moreno/Brianna Burgos (PUR)

Men’s Team W: Egypt Youssef Abdelaziz, Omar Assar, Mohamed ElBeiali, Mahmoud Helmy, Badr Mostafa RU: Algeria (Maheidine Bella, Bellahsene, Mehdi Bouloussa, Milhane Jellouli, Sami Kherouf Women’s Team W: Egypt (Mariam Alhodaby, Marwa Alhodaby, Farida Badawy, Hana Goda, Dina Meshref) RU: Uganda (Judith Mirembe, Jemimah Nakawala, Judith Nangonzi)

Full Details: Europe Youth Top 10 ITTF-ATTU ASIAN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS, BHUBANESWAR, INDIA Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th October Men’s Team W: China (Liang Jingkun, Lin Shidong, Wang Chuqin, Xiang Peng, Zhou Qihao) RU: Hong Kong (Baldwin Chan, Ho Kwan Kit, Lam Siu Hang, Wong Chun Ting) Women’s Team W: China (Chen Xingtong, Kuai Man, Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, Wang Yidi) RU: Japan (Miwa Harimoto, Hina Hayata, Honoka Hashimoto, Miyu Nagasaki, Satsuki Odo) Full Details: ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Championships EUROPEAN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL STAGE, ZADAR, CROATIA Sunday 12th - Sunday 19th October Men’s Team W: France (Flavien Coton, Simon Gauzy, Alexis Lebrun, Felix Lebrun, Thibault Poret) RU: Romania (Iulian Chirita, Eduard Ionescu, Ovidiu Ionescu, Andrei Istrate, Darius Movileanu) Women’s Team W: Germany (Mia Griesel, Annett Kaufmann, Nina Mittelham, Wan Yuan, Sabine Winter) RU: Romania (Adina Diaconu, Andreea Dragoman, Elizabeta Samara, Bernadette Szocs, Elena Zaharia) Full Details: European Team Championships

Men’s Singles W: Omar Assar (EGY) RU: Youssef Abdelaziz (EGY) Women’s Singles W: Hana Goda (EGY) RU: Dina Meshref (EGY)

Success for China’s youth, earlier in October in Manama at the Asian Youth Games, the level of success had been even greater, a clean sweep. Tang Yiren won the men’s singles and the mixed doubles partnering Yao Ruixuan, the women’s singles winner. Similarly, for China’s established sen-

ASIAN YOUTH GAMES, MANAMA, BAHRAIN Sunday 26th - Thursday 30th October Boys’ Singles W: Tang Yiren (CHN) RU: Li Hechen (CHN) Girls’ Singles W: Yao Ruixuan (CHN) RU: Hu Yi (CHN) Mixed Doubles W: Li Hechen/Yao Ruixuan (CHN) RU: Tang Yiren/Hu Yi (CHN)

Men’s Doubles W: Youssef Abdelaziz/Mohamed El-Beiali (EGY) RU: Maheidine Bella/Milhane Jellouli (ALG) Women’s Doubles W: Hana Goda/Dina Meshref (EGY) RU: Mariam Alhodaby, Marwa Alhodaby (EGY) Mixed Doubles W: Youssef Abdelaziz/Mariam Alhodaby (EGY) RU: Badr Mostafa/Marwa Alhodaby (EGY)

Full Details: Asian Youth Games Manama ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY GAMES, RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA Saturday 8th - Thursday 13th November Men’s Team W: Kazakhstan (Kirill Gerassimenko, Aidos Kenzhigulov, Alan Kurmangaliyev) RU: Iran (Benyamin Faraji, Amir Hossein Hodaei, Mohammad Mousavi Women’s Team W: Egypt (Marwa Alhodaby, Hend Fathy, Yousra Helmy) RU: Türkiye (Sibel Altinkaya, Ece Haraç, Ozge Yilmaz)

Full Details: ITTF Africa Championships ITTF PAN AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, ROCK HILL, UNITED STATES Sunday 12th - Sunday 19th October Men’s Team W: Argentina (Martin Bentancor, Horacio Cifuentes, Santiago Lorenzo, Francisco Sanchi) RU: United States (Kanak Jha, Jishan Liang, Nandan Naresh, Sid Naresh) Women’s Team W: Puerto Rico (Brianna Burgos, Adriana Diaz, Fabiola Diaz, Alondra Rodriguez) RU: United States (Sally Moyland, Jessica Reyes Lai, Irene Yeoh, Lily Zhang) Men’s Singles W: Hugo Calderano (BRA) RU: Kanak Jha (USA) Women’s Singles W: Adriana Diaz (PUR) RU: Bruna Takahashi (BRA)

Just one title eluded Chinese hands. Germany’s Koharu Itagaki won the girls’ singles, impressively, she maintained the form she had displayed in October when emerging successful in the Europe Youth Top 10 in Tours.

Full Details: ITTF Pan American Championships

Men’s Singles W: Kirill Gerassimenko (KAZ) RU: Omar Assar (EGY) Women’s Singles W: Neda Shahsavari (IRI) RU: Hend Zaza (SYR) Men’s Doubles W: Ibrahim Gündüz/Abdullah Yigenler (TUR) RU: Maheidine Bella/Milhane Jellouli (ALG) Women’s Doubles W: Shima Safaei/Neda Shahsavari (IRI) RU: Ece Haraç/Ozge Yilmaz (TUR) Mixed Doubles W: SIbrahim Gündüz/Sibel Altinkaya (TUR) RU: Ahmed Javed/Marma Khoy Sai (BAN) Full Details: Islamic Solidarity Games

ior players there was success upon success, in December the Mixed Team World Cup was retained, in October it was men’s and women’s gold at the ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Championships. Thus, a passport to the 2026 World Team Championships was reserved, a situation that applied also to Egypt at the African Championships. Somewhat differently, at the Pan American Championships and European Team Championships, it was honours shared. In the former, Argentina won the men’s team title, Puerto Rico, the women’s top prize; in the latter, France and Romania emerged the respective winners. January 2026 SWAYTHLING 91

LEFT Yu Haiyang struck gold in Clij Napoca

RIGHT Koharu Itagaki upheld European honour

BELOW Success for Wang Yidi in Chengdu

ITTF WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025, CLUJ NAPOCA, ROMANIA Sunday 23rd - Sunday 30th November

WORLD PARKINSON’S CHAMPIONSHIPS, HELSINGBORG, SWEDEN Wednesday 26th - Sunday 30th November

WORLD ALZHEIMER'S TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS, HELSINGBORG, SWEDEN Wednesday 26th - Sunday 30th November

Under 19 Boys’ Team W: Japan (Ryuusei Kawakami, Tamito Watanabe, Kazuki Yoshiyama) RU: India (Ankur Bhattacharjee, Priyanuj Bhattacharya, Abhinandh Pradhivachi) Under 19 Girls’ Team W: China (Qin Yuxuan, Yao Ruixuan, Zong Geman) RU: Japan (Sachi Aoki, Yuna Ojio, Mao Takamori)

Men’s Singles Class 1 W: Clas-Ake Johansson (SWE) RU: Karlheinz Moxter (GER) Men’s Singles Class 2 W: Frank Hahn (GER) RU: Hans Geyskens (BEL) Men’s Singles Class 3 W: Darko Gazdic (CRO) RU: Stefan Rydberg (SWE) Men’s Singles Showcase W: Liu Shengping (CHN) RU: Frank Hahn (GER)

Singles Event W: David Maurin (CAN) RU: Andreas Lazaris (GRE)

Under 19 Boys’ Singles W: Ryuusei Kawakami (JPN) RU: Kazuki Yoshiyama (JPN) Under 19 Girls’ Singles W: Qin Yuxuan (CHN) RU: Zong Geman (CHN)

Men’s Doubles Class 1 W: Jonas Backlund/Clas-Ake Johansson (SWE) RU: Karlheinz Moxter/Holger Teppe (GER) Men’s Doubles Class 2 W: Soeren Christensen/Peter Zimmermann (DEN) RU: Raul Darias Mendez/<aik Guehmann (ESP/GER) Men’s Doubles Class 3 W: Philippe Castel/Julien Tardy (PYF/FRA) RU: Helmut Jenny/Matthias Koehler (GER)

Final Positions W: China (Wang Chuqin, Liu Shidong, Liang Jingkun, Xu Yingbin, Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, Kuai Man, Wang Yidi)

Under 19 Boys’ Doubles W: Hsu Hsien-Chia/Kuo Guan-Hong (TPE) RU: Ryuusei Kawakami/Kazuki Yoshiyama (JPN) Under 19 Girls’ Doubles W: Mia Griesel/Anna Hursey (GER/WAL) RU: Qin Yuxuan/Zong Geman (CHN) Under 19 Mixed Doubles W: Li Hechen/Qin Yuxuan (CHN) RU: Iulian Chirita/Anna Hursey (ROU/WAL) Under 15 Boys’ Team W: Chinese Taipei (Chen Kai-Cheng, Cheng Mi-Hsiu, Yu Yi-Cing) RU: Italy (Giulio Campagna, Danilo Faso, Francisco Trevisan) Under 15 Girls’ Team W: Japan (Kokomi Ishida, Coco Muramatsu, Aoba Takahashi) RU: Korea Republic (Heo Yerim, Kim Minseo, Lee Haelin) Under 15 Boys’ Singles W: Yu Haiyang (CHN) RU: Zhou Guanhong (CHN) Under 15 Girls’ Singles W: Koharu Itagaki (GER) RU: Zhu Qihui (CHN) Under 15 Boys’ Doubles W: Yu Haiyang/Zhou Guanhong (CHN) RU: Kenan Kahraman/Gorkem Ocal (TUR) Under 15 Girls’ Doubles W: Liu Ziling/Zhu Qihui (CHN) RU: Kokomi Ishida/Cocona Muramatsu (JPN)

Women’s Singles Class 1 W: Rie Koyama (JPN) RU: Elvira Garcia (ESP) Women’s Singles Class 2 W: Agnes Jan (AUT) RU: Andrea Muellner (GER) Women’s Singles Class 3 W: Beate Hoefelmeyer (GER) RU: Aase Wonsild (DEN) Women’s Singles Showcase W: Janice Fuller (ENG) RU: Elisabeth Ildal (DEN) Women’s Doubles Class 1 W: Elvira Garcia/Elisabeth Ildal (ESP/DEN) RU: Christine Jonckheere/Rie Koyama (BEL/JPN) Women’s Doubles Class 2 W: Beate Hoefelmeyer/Andrea Muellner (GER) RU: Claudia Hellinger/Negin Schaller (AUT) Women’s Doubles Class 3 W: Hiroko Tobita/aase Wonsild (JPN/DEN)\ RU: Concepcion Lopez/Cristina Zapata (ESP) Mixed Doubles Class 1 W: Holger Teppe/Elvira Garcia (GER/ESP) RU: Lars Bo Kaspersen/Elisabeth Ildal (DEN) Mixed Doubles Class 2 W: Frank Hahn/Birgitte Joergensen (GER/DEN) RU: Francis Quinones/Almudena Ramos (ESP) Mixed Doubles Class 3 W: Joerg Ziaja/Beate Hoefelmeyer (GER) RU: Malk Guehmann/Negin Schaller (GER/AUT)

Under 15 Mixed Doubles W: Thitaphat Preechayan/Kulapassar Vijiyviriyagul (THA) RU: Yu Haiyang/Zhu Qihui (CHN)

CAREFAPU W: Jérôme Lovet (FRA) RU: Laurent Bianchetti (FRA)

Full Details: ITTF World Youth Championships

Full Details: World Parkinson’s Championships

92 SWAYTHLING January 2026

Full Details: World Parkinson’s Championships ITTF MIXED TEAM WORLD CUP, CHENGDU, CHINA Sunday 30th November - Sunday 7th December

RU: Japan (Tomokazu Harimoto, Sora Matsushima, Shunsuke Togami, Hiroto Shinozuka, Miwa Harimoto, Mima Ito, Hina Hayata, Satsuki Odo) 3rd: Germany (Dang Qiu, Benedikt Duda, Patrick Franziska, Sabine Winter, Annett Kaufmann, Nina Mittelham) 4th: Korea Republic (An Jaehyun, Jang Woojin, Oh Junsung, Park Ganghyeon, Shin Yubin, Kim Nayeong, Lee Eunhye, Choi Hjojoo) Full Details: ITTF Mixed Team World Cup

Para Table Tennis Sandra Mikolaschek in a class of her own

Commencing in early October, in a period lasting less than two months, Germany’s Sandra Mikolaschek was very much the player in form, three women’s singles titles plus two mixed doubles was her collection.

ABOVE Sandra Mikolaschek seemingly performs a quite extraordinary balancing act FACING TOP RIGHT Success for Andela Muzinic Vincetic in Săo Paulo, Yvelines and Helsingborg FACING LOWER Youssef enjoyed success on home soil in Giza

Gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, wins at the World Para Elite tournaments in Săo Paulo and Yvelines in October were followed in November by gold at the European Para Championships in Helsingborg. Notable successes, especially as she is a class 4 athlete and, on each occasion, competed in women’s singles class 4-5, players with a lesser disability being eligible to take part. Adding to the success, partnering Thomas Breuchle, she won mixed doubles class 7 in both Yvelines and Helsingborg. Similarly, Săo Paulo, Yvelines and Helsingborg proved successful destinations for Croatia’s Andela Muzinic Vincetic; a class 3 athlete, on each occasion it was women’s singles first prize. Notably, in Helsingborg she retained the European title won in 2023 in Sheffield. Furthermore, in the Swedish city she claimed women’s doubles class 10 gold partnering compatriot Helena Dretar Karic. Success for established European names, in a

94 SWAYTHLING January 2026

similar vein Germany’s Thomas Schmidberger and Valentin Baus recorded notable achievements. Competing in men’s singles class 3, Schmidberger won in Yvelines and Helsingborg; similarly, Baus in class 4-5 succeeded in Yvelines, having prevailed earlier in Săo Paulo. Together, they won men’s doubles class 8 in Helsingborg. Likewise, for the old continent, commencing in October, there was more than one men’s singles title for Poland’s Rafal Czuper, Belgium’s Laurens Devos, Frenchman Lucas Creange and Great Britain’s Rob Davies. Czuper won class 1-2 in Săo Paulo, class 2 in Yvelines, Devos prevailed in class 9 in Yvelines and Helsingborg. In a likewise manner, it was first place for Creange in class 11 in Săo Paulo and Helsingborg; for Davies the top prize in Yvelines and in Helsingborg. Meanwhile for European women, Hungary’s Alexa Szvitacs and Poland’s Natalia Partyka made their presence known. Both won in Helsingborg, Szvitacs in class 9, Partyka in class 10; earlier Szvitacs had succeeded in class 9-10 in Săo Paulo, Partyka in the same category in Yvelines. Imposingly in Helsingborg, Partyka completed the full house, partnering colleagues, in class 20 she won the women’s doubles with Karolina Pek, the mixed doubles alongside Patryk Chojnowski.

ITTF WORLD PARA ELITE, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL Wednesday 2nd - Saturday 5th July Men’s Singles Class 1-2 W: Rafal Czuper (POL) RU: Jiri Suchanek (CZE) Men’s Singles Class 3 W: Welder Knaff (BRA) RU: Jenson Van Emburgh (USA) Men’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Valentin Baus (GER) RU: Tommy Urhaug (NOR) Men’s Singles Class 6 W: Ignacio Torres (CHI) RU: Matias Pino (CHI) Men’s Singles Class 7 W: Claudio Bahamondes (CHI) RU: Paulo Salmin (BRA) Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Piotr Grudzien (POL) RU: Thomas Bouvais (FRA) Men’s Singles Class 9 W: Ander Cepas (ESP) RU: Tahl Leibovitz (USA) Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Manuel Echaveguren (CHI) RU: Krisztian Gardos (AUT) Men’s Singles Class 11 W: Lucas Creange (FRA) RU: Timothe Ivaldi (FRA) Women’s Singles Class 1-3 W: Andela Muzinic Vincetic (CRO) RU: Carlotta Ragazzini (ITA) Women’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Sandra Mikolaschek (GER) RU: Flora Vauthier (FRA) Women’s Singles Class 7 W: Kelly van Zon (NED) RU: Lethicia Lacerda (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 8 W: Florencia Perez (CHI) RU: Sophia Kelmer (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 9-10 W: Alexa Szvitacs (HUN) RU: Tereza Cakorova (CZE) Women’s Singles Class 11 W: Kanami Furukawa (JPN) RU: Miya Yamaguchi (JPN) Men’s Doubles Class 4-8 W: Welder Knaf/Lucas Carvalhal (BRA) RU: Zachary Pickett/Jenson Van Emburgh (USA) Men’s Doubles Class 14 W: Paulo Fonseca/Paulo Salmin (BRA) RU: Aleksy Kaniuka/Luciano Khazandjian (ARG) Men’s Doubles Class 18 W: Ander Cepas/Juan Perez (ESP) RU: Marlon Lopez/Borna Zohil (ESP/CRO) Women’s Doubles Class 5-10 W: Joyce Oliveira/Flora Vauthier (BRA/FRA) RU: Helena Dretar Karic/Andela Muzinic Vincetic (CRO) Women’s Doubles Class 14-20 W: Jennyfer Parinos/Danielle Rauen (BRA) RU: Chiu Kan/Wong Yue Ching (HKG)

Mixed Doubles Class 4-7 W: Florian Merrien/Flora Vauthier (FRA) RU: Fabio Silva/Thais Fraga Severo (BRA) Mixed Doubles Class 10 W: Lucas Carvalhal/Joyce Oliveira (BRA) RU: Carlos Freire/Andela Muzinic Vincetic (BRA/CRO) Mixed Doubles Class 14 W: Paulo Fonseca/Aline Meneses (BRA) RU: Paulo Salmin/Lethicia Lacerda (BRA) Mixed Doubles Class 17-20 W: Borna Zohil/Mirjana Lucic (CRO) RU: Ander Cepas/Olaia Martinez (ESP) Full Details: ITTF World Tour Elite São Paulo ITTF PARA PANAMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th October Men’s Singles Class 1 W: Vicente Leiva (CHI) RU: Guillermo Bustamente (ARG) Men’s Singles Class 2 W: Luis Flores (CHI) RU: Guilherme Marcio da Costa (BRA) Men’s Singles Class 3 W: Jenson Van Emburgh (USA) RU: Welder Knaff (BRA) Men’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Maycon de Oliveira (BRA) RU: Elias Romero (ARG) Men’s Singles Class 6 W: Ian Seidenfeld (USA) RU: Matias Pino (CHI) Men’s Singles Class 7 W: Paulo Fonseca (BRA) RU: Claudio Bahamondes (CHI) Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Luiz Guarnieri (BRA) RU: Jean-Carlos de Souza (BRA) Men’s Singles Class 9 W: Tahl Leibovitz (USA) RU: Lucas Carvalho (BRA) Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Gabriel Antunes (BRA) RU: Manuel Echaveguren (CHI) Men’s Singles Class 11 W: Thiago Simoes (BRA) RU: Lucas Hansen (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 1-2 W: Catia Oliveira (BRA) RU: Coty Garrone (ARG) Women’s Singles Class 3 W: Joyce de Oliveira (BRA) RU: Thais Fraga Severo (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Tamara Leonelli (CHI) RU: Martha Verdin (MEX) Women’s Singles Class 6-7 W: Lethicia Lacerda (BRA) RU: Aline Meneses (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 8 W: Sophia Kelmer (BRA) RU: Florencia Perez (CHI)

Women’s Singles Class 9-10 W: Danielle Rauen (BRA) RU: Bruna Alexandre (BRA) Men’s Doubles Class 4-8 W: Lucas Carvalhal/Welder Knaf (BRA) RU: Gabriel Copola/Elias Romero (ARG) Men’s Doubles Class 14 W: Matias Pino/Ignacio Torres (CHI) RU: Aleksy Kaniuka/Luciano Khazandjian (ARG) Men’s Doubles Class 18 W: Tahl Leibovitz/Logan Watson (USA) RU: Gabriel Antunes/Jean Carlos Mashki (BRA) Women’s Doubles Class 5-10 W: Joyce de Oliveira/Catia Oliveira (BRA) RU: Marliane Amaral/Thais Severo (BRA) Women’s Doubles Class 14-20 W: Bruna Alexandre/Danielle Rauen (BRA) RU: Melanie dos Santos/Jennyfer Parinos (BRA) Mixed Doubles Class 4 W: Guilherme Marcio da Costa/Catia Oliveira (BRA) RU: Victor Reyes/Edith Sigala (MEX) Mixed Doubles Class 7 W: Fabio Silva/Thais Fraga (BRA) RU: Elias Romero/Coty Garrone (ARG) Mixed Doubles Class 10 W: Lucas Carvalhal/Joyce de Oliveira (BRA) RU: Maximiliano Rodriguez/Tamara Leonelli (CHI) Mixed Doubles Class 14 W: Paulo Salmin/Lethicia Lacerda (BRA) RU: Ignacio Torres/Florencia Perez (CHI) Mixed Doubles Class 17 W: Paulo Fonseca/Bruna Alexandre (BRA) RU: Luiz Guarnieri/Danielle Rauen (BRA) Mixed Doubles Class 20 W: Manuel Echaveguren/Joseline Yevenes (CHI) RU: Gabriel Antunes/Jennyfer Parinos (BRA) Full Details: ITTF Para Panamerican Championships

Most creditable from prominent European names, it was the same from Asia. Japan’s Mahiro Funayama won women’s singles class 10 at the Asian Para Championships in Beijing and later at the World Para Challenger Giza. Similarly, in men’s singles class 11, Chinese Taipei’s Chen Po-Yen prevailed in Beijing and at the Asian Youth Championships in Dubai.

then immediately following in the same venue at the African Para Championships.

Equally impressive for Africa was Egypt’s Sayed Youssef, as for Latin America was Brazil’s Lethicia Lacerda and Chile’s Florencia Perez. Youssef won class 7 at the World Para Challenger Giza;

Joining the party, at the Para Panamerican Championships, Florencia Perez won women’s singles class 8, before at the World Para Challenger Giza succeeding in the same category.

Not to be overshadowed, Lethicia Lacerda won women’s singles class 6-7 at the Para Panamerican Championships in Săo Paulo, before in Santiago succeeding in class 7 at the Youth Panamerican Games.

January 2026 SWAYTHLING 95

LEFT A flying Lucas Creange, disappointment on home soil in Yvelines but gold in Săo Paulo and Helsingborg

ITTF ASIAN PARA CHAMPIONSHIPS, BEIJING, CHINA Tuesday 14th - Sunday 19th October

Men’s Doubles Class 8 W: Yayang Gunaya/Adyos Astan (INA) RU: Feng Panfeng/Liu Fu (CHN)

Mixed Doubles Class 22 W: Chen Po-Yen/Li Lydia Yi-Ya (TPE) RU: Takashi Asano/Kanami Furukawa (JPN)

Men’s Singles Class 1 W: Kim Hakjin (KOR) RU: Jeong Sanggu (KOR) Men’s Singles Class 2 W: Park Jincheol (KOR) RU: Kang Changyoung (KOR) Men’s Singles Class 3 W: Feng Panfeng (CHN) RU: Jang Yeongjin (KOR) Men’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Kim Younggun (KOR) RU: Kazuki Shichino (JPN)

Men’s Doubles Class 14 W: Rungroj Thainiyom/Phisit Wangphonphathanasiri (THA) RU: Chen Chao/Peng Winan (THACHN)

Full Details: ITTF Asian Para Championships

Men’s Singles Class 6 W: Jon Ju Hyon (PRK) RU: Rungroj Thainiyom (THA) Men’s Singles Class 7 W: Kim Yong Rok (PRK) RU: Tong Chi Ming (HKG) Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Zhao Shuai (CHN) RU: Wong Hon Lam (HKG) Men’s Singles Class 9 W: Liu Chaodong (CHN) RU: Zhai Yi Qing (CHN) Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Mahiro Funayama (JPN) RU: Bunpot Sillapakong (THA) Men’s Singles Class 11 W: Chen Po-Yen (TPE) RU: Takeshi Takemori (JPN) Women’s Singles Class 1 W: Kim Eunhee (KOR) RU: Maryam Almyrisl (KSA) Women’s Singles Class 2-3 W: Yoon Jiyu (KOR) RU: Seo Suyeon (KOR) Women’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Zhang Bian (CHN) RU: Gu Xiaodan (CHN) Women’s Singles Class 6 W: Jin Yucheng (CHN) RU: Najlah Al-Dayyeni (IRQ) Women’s Singles Class 7 W: Wong Yue Ching (TPE) RU: Wang Rui (HKG) Women’s Singles Class 8 W: Huang Wenjuan (CHN) RU: Yuri Tomono (JPN) Women’s Singles Class 9 W: Mao Jingdian (CHN) RU: Xiong Guiyan (CHN) Women’s Singles Class 10 W: Lin Tzu-Yu (TPE) RU: Tian Shiau-Wen (TPE) Women’s Singles Class 11 W: Ibuki Mawatari (JPN) RU: Wong Ting Ting (HKG) Men’s Doubles Class 4 W: Jang Yeongjin/Jeong Sanggu (KOR) RU: Kang Changyoung/Park Jincheol (KOR)

96 SWAYTHLING January 2026

Men’s Doubles Class 18 W: Lian Hao/Zhao Shuai (CHN) RU: Komet Akbar/Banyu Tri Mulyo (INA) Men’s Doubles Class 22 W: Kim Changgi/Kim Gitae (KOR) RU: Mohd Abdullah/Jennahtul Ahmad Jennah (MAS) Women’s Doubles Class 5 W: Seo Suyeon/Yoon Jiyu (KOR) RU: Dararat Asayut/Chilchitraryak Bootwansirina (THA) Women’s Doubles Class 10 W: Gu Xiaodan/Pan Jiamin (CHN) RU: Xue Juan/Zhang Bian (CHN) Women’s Doubles Class 14 W: Huang Wenjuan/Jin Yucheng (CHN) RU: Kanlaya Chaiwut-Kriabklang/Kanokporn Phathumcai (THA) Women’s Doubles Class 20 W: Lin Tzu-Yu//Tian Shiau-Wen (TPE) RU: Mao Jingdian/Zhao Xiaojing (CHN) Women’s Doubles Class 22 W: Li Jing Shiuan/Li Lydia Yi-Ya (TPE) RU: Wong Pui Kei/Wong Ting-Ting (HKG) Mixed Doubles Class 4 W: Park Jincheol/Seo Suyeon (KOR) RU: Jang Yeongjin/Kim Eunhee (KOR) Mixed Doubles Class 7 W: Feng Panfeng/Gu Xiaodan (CHN) RU: Yuttajak Glinbanchuen/Wijittra Jaion (THA) Mixed Doubles Class 10 W: Barce Layaba/Leli Markina (INA) RU: Park Jaehyun/Jung Younga (KOR) Mixed Doubles Class 14 W: Wong Hon Lam/Pang Wing Ka (HKG) RU: Tong Chi Ming/Wong Yue Ching (HKG) Mixed Doubles Class 17 W: Zhao Shuai/Mao Jingdian (CHN) RU: Peng Weinan/Xiong Guiyan (CHN) Mixed Doubles Class 20 W: Su Jin-Sian/Lin Tzu-Yu (TPE) RU: Bunpot Sillapakong/Janisa Khompast (THA)

ITTF WORLD PARA ELITE YVELINES, FRANCE Sunday 26th - Thursday 30th October Men’s Singles Class 1 W: Rob Davies (GBR) RU: Timo Natunen (FIN) Men’s Singles Class 2 W: Rafal Czuper (POL) RU: Fabien Lamirault (FRA) Men’s Singles Class 3 W: Thomas Schmidberger (GER) RU:Jenson Van Emburgh (USA) Men’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Valentin Baus (GER) RU: Kazuki Shichino (JPN) Men’s Singles Class 6 W: Peter Rosenmeier RU: Matteo Parenzan (ITA) Men’s Singles Class 7 W: Will Bayley RU: Bjoern Schnake (GER) Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Maksym Nikolenko (UKR) RU: Borna Zohil (CRO) Men’s Singles Class 9 W: Laurens Devos (BEL) RU: Ander Cepas (ESP) Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Mateo Boheas (FRA) RU: Manuel Echaveguren (CHI) Men’s Singles Class 11 W: Maciej Makajew (POL) RU: Florian van Acker (BEL) Women’s Singles Class 1 W: Aino Tapola (FIN) RU: Ocèane Garnier (FRA) Women’s Singles Class 2-3 W: Andela Muzinic Vincetic (CRO) RU: Marliane Amaral (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Sandra Mikolaschek (GER) Alexandra Saint-Pierre (FRA) Women’s Singles Class 6 W: Felicity Pickard (GBR) RU: Gulmira Gonobina (AIN) Women’s Singles Class 7 W: Kelly van Zon (NED) RU: Kubra Korkut (TUR) Women’s Singles Class 8 W: Yuri Tomono (JPN) RU: Sophia Kelmer (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 9-10 W: Natalia Partyka (POL) RU: Merve Demir (TUR) Women’s Singles Class 11 W: Natsuki Wada (JPN) RU: Ebru Acer (TUR)

Men’s Doubles Class 4 W: Fabien Lamirault/Julien Michaud (FRA) RU: Peter Lovas/Jan Riapos (SVK) Men’s Doubles Class 8 W: Valentin Baus/Thomas Schmidberger (GER) RU: Emeric Martin/Florian Merrien (FRA) Men’s Doubles Class 14 W: Emil Andersson/Michael Azulay (SWE) RU: Jean-Paul Montanus/Yannick Paredis (NED) Men’s Doubles Class 18 W: Mateo Boheas/Thomas Bouvais (FRA) RU: Lev Kats/Ivan Mai (UKR) Women’s Doubles Class 5-10 W: Nergiz Altintas/Irem Oluk (TUR) RU: Thais Severo/Mariiane Amaral (BRA) Women’s Doubles Class 14-20 W: Iryna Shynkarova/Anniek van Holt (UKR/NED) RU: Olga Gorshkaleva/Anastasia Kostenevich (AIN) Mixed Doubles Class 4 W: Federico Crosara/Giasa Rossi (ITA) RU: Federico Falco/Carlotta Ragazzini (ITA) Mixed Doubles Class 7 W: Thomas Breuchle/Sandra Mikolaschek (GER) RU: Florian Merriem/Flora Vauthier (FRA) Mixed Doubles Class 10 W: Lucas Carvalhal/Thais Severo (BRA) RU: Nicolas Savant-Aira/Andela Muzinic Vincetic (FRA/CRO) Mixed Doubles Class 14 W: Clement Bérthier/Morgan Caillaud (FRA) RU: Maksym Chudzicki/Katarzyna Marszal (POL) Mixed Doubles Class 17-20 W: Borna Zohil/Mirjana Lucic (CRO) RU: Koyo Iwabuchi/Yuri Tomono (JPN) Full Details: ITTF World Para Elite Yvelines YOUTH PARA PANAMERICAN GAMES, SANTIAGO, CHILE Saturday 1st - Monday 3rd November Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 2-5 W: Maycon de Oliveira (BRA) RU: Arthur Branco (BRA) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 6-7 W: Luciano Khazandjian (ARG) RU: Claudio Bahamondes (CHI) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Luciano Khazandjian (ARG) RU: Claudio Bahamondes (CHI) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 9 W: Eithan Skliarsky (ARG) RU: Lucas Segregio (BRA) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Cristobal Garcia (CHI) RU: Diego Suchite (GUA) Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 1-3 W: Manuela Guapi (COL) RU: Belen Fuentes (CHI) Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Josselyn Miranda (ESA) RU: America Aguilar (MEX)

Under 23 Women’s Doubles Class 10 W: Nicole dos Santos/Ana Moraes RU: Belen Fuentes/Aylin Millalen (CHI)

Men’s Doubles Class 18 W: Hayuma Abe/Koyo Iwabuchi (JPN) RU: Artem Iakolev/Iurii Nozdrunov (AIN)

Under 23 Mixed Doubles Class 7-10 W: Maycon de Oliveira/Nicole dos Santos (BRA) RU: Arthur Branco/AnaMoraes (BRA)

Women’s Doubles Class 5 W: Shaymaa El-Gabrty/Fawzia El-Shamy (EGY) RU: Zahra Al-Tala/Mohamed Samya (KSA/EGY)

Under 23 Mixed Doubles Class 14-20 W: João Possas/Sophia Kelmer (BRA) RU: Jean Carlos Mashki/Karina Moura (BRA)

Women’s Doubles Class 10 W: Kang Oejeong/Thais Severo (KOR/BRA) RU: Faiza Mahmoud/Lamiaa Mohamed (EGY)

Full Details: Youth Para Pan American Games

Women’s Doubles Class 14 W: Maliak Alieva/Galina Gorokhovatcenko (AIN) RU: Lethicia Lacerda/Aline Ferreira (BRA) Women’s Doubles Class 20 W: Lin Tzu-Yu/Tian Shiau-Wen (TPE) RU: Yuri Tomono/Tamano Yamazaki (JPN)

ITTF WORLD PARA CHALELLENGER GIZA, EGYPT Saturday 15th - Tuesday 18th November Men’s Singles Class 1 W: Joo Youngdae (KOR) RU: Alan Papirer (FRA) Men’s Singles Class 2 W: Dimitrii Chubarov (AIN) RU: Ahmed El-Mahsy (EGY) Men’s Singles Class 3 W: Sylvain Noel (FRA) RU: Welder Knaf (BRA) Men’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Cheng Ming-Chih (TPE) RU: Lucas Carvalhal (BRA) Men’s Singles Class 6 W: Muntadher Al-Sarraji (EGY) RU: Samuel Altshuler (USA) Men’s Singles Class 7 W: Sayed Youssef (EGY) RU: Kevin Dourbecker (FRA) Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Artem Iakovlev (AIN) RU: Mar Ledoux (BEL) Men’s Singles Class 9 W: Iurii Nozdrunov (AIN) RU: Jan Reinig (GER) Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Mahiro Funayama (JPN) RU: Mio Wagner (GER) Men’s Singles Class 11 W: Chen Po-Yen (TPE) RU: Kim Bogyeom (KOR) Women’s Singles Class 1 W: Maryam Al-Myrisl (KSA) RU: Nicole Dos Santos (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 2 W: Jana Spegel (GER) RU: Zahra Al-Tala (KSA) Women’s Singles Class 3 W: Sonalben Patel (IND) RU: Thais Severo (BRA) Women’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Bhavina Patel (IND) RU: Ena Miyazaki (JPN) Women’s Singles Class 6 W: Najlah Al-Dayyeni (IRQ) RU: Maliak Alieva (AIN) Women’s Singles Class 7 W: Lethicia Lacerda (BRA) RU: Galina Gorokhovatcenko (AIN) Women’s Singles Class 8 W: Florencia Perez (CHI) RU: Yuri Tomono (JPN) Women’s Singles Class 9 W: Baby Ravi (IND) RU: Eva Kuts (AIN) Women’s Singles Class 10 W: Lin Tzu-Yu (TPE) RU: Tian Shiau-Wen (TPE) Women’s Singles Class 11 W: Miyu Yamaguchi (JPN) RU: Natsuki Wada (JPN)

Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 8-10 W: Sophia Kelmer (BRA) RU: Joseline Yevenes (CHI)

Men’s Doubles Class 4 W: Mitsuhiro Matsuo/Masanori Uno (JPN) RU: Joo Youngdae/Kang Changyoung (KOR) Men’s Doubles Class 8 W: Nicolas Savant-Aira/Sylvain Noel (FRA) RU: Adyos Astan/Yayang Gunaya (INA)

Under 23 Men’s Doubles Class 14-18 W: José Cerpa/Cristobal Garcia (CHI) RU: Juan Penna/Marcelo Solis (CHI)

Men’s Doubles Class 14 W: Ben Despineux/Sayed Youssef (BEL/EGY) RU: Matthew Britz/Alexander Esaulov (NZL/AIN)

Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 7 W: Lethicia Lacerda (BRA) RU: Kristel Morales (CRC)

Mixed Doubles Class 4 W: Ibrahim Al-Hassan/Maryam Al-Myrisl RU: Aly Nasr/Ola Soliman (EGY) Mixed Doubles Class 7-10 W: Fabio Silva/Thais Severo (BRA) RU: Barce Layaba/Leli Marlina (INA) Mixed Doubles Class 14 W: Artem Iakolev/Maliak Aliva (AIN) RU: Maksim Nazarkin/Galina Gorokhovatcenko (AIN) Mixed Doubles Class 17 W: Gabriel Antunes/Lethicia Lacerda (BRA) RU: Koyo Iwabuchi/Yuri Tomono (JPN) Mixed Doubles Class 20 W: Su Jin-Sian/Lin Tzu-Yu (TPE) RU: Lin Chun-Ting/Anastasia Kostenevich (TPE/AIN) ITTF AFRICAN PARA CHAMPIONSHIPS, GIZA, EGYPT Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd November Men’s Singles Class 1-3 W: Khaled Ramadan (EGY) RU: Ahmed El-Mahsy (EGY) Men’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Isau Ogunkunle (NGR) RU: Bolawa Akingbemisilu (NGR) Men’s Singles Class 6-7 W: Sayed Youssef (EGY) RU: Abousteit Abdelmoneim (EGY) Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Victor Farinloye (NGR) RU: Oluwafemi Fabiyi (NGR) Men’s Singles Class 9 W: Abiola Adescope (EGY) RU: Ble Bayala (CIV) Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Abdelrahman Abdelwahab (EGY) RU: Alabi Olufemi (NGR) Women’s Singles Class 1-5 W: Faiza Mahmoud (NGR) RU: Kate Oputa Women’s Singles Class 6-10 W: Kehinde Lawal (NGR) RU: Haga El-Sayed (EGY) Men’s Doubles Class 18 W: Abdelrahman Abdelwahab/Sayed Youssef (EGY) RU: Abiola Adescope/Tajudeen Agunbiade (NGR) Mixed Doubles Class 10 W: Isau Ogunkunle/Kate Oputa (NGR) RU: Sameh Eid/Faiza Mahmoud (EGY) Mixed Doubles Class 14-20 W: Abiolsa Adescope/Kehinde Lawal RU: Sameh Eid/Faiza Mahmoud (EGY)

January 2026 SWAYTHLING 97

ABOVE Three titles for Natalia Partyka at the ITTF European Para Championships

ITTF EUROPEAN PARA CHAMPIONSHIPS, HELSINBORG, SWEDEN Thursday 20th - Tuesday 25th November

Men’s Doubles Class 14 W: Clément Berthier/Esteban Herrault (FRA) RU: Will Bayley/Theo Bishop (GBR)

Men’s Singles Class 1 W: Rob Davies (GBR) RU: Federico Falco (ITA) Men’s Singles Class 2 W: Jiri Suchanek (CZE) RU: Jan Riapos (SVK) Men’s Singles Class 3 W: Thomas Schmidberger (GER) RU: Eder Rodriguez (ESP) Men’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Filip Nachazel (CZE) RU: Tommy Urhaug (NOR)

Men’s Doubles Class 18 W: Lev Katz/Ivan Mai (UKR) RU: Patryk Chojnowski/Piotr Grudzien (POL)

Men’s Singles Class 6 W: Matteo Parenzan (ITA) RU: Peter Rosenmeier (DEN) Men’s Singles Class 7 W: Yannick Paredis (NED) RU: Jonas Hansson (SWE) Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Clément Berthier (FRA) RU: Emil Andersson (SWE) Men’s Singles Class 9 W: Laurens Devos (BEL) RU: Ander Cepas (ESP) Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Patryk Chojnowski (POL) RU: Luka Bakic (MNE) Men’s Singles Class 11 W: Lucas Creange (FRA) RU: Maciej Makajew (POL) Women’s Singles Class 1-2 W: Maeva Olivier (FRA) RU: Giada Rossi (ITA) Women’s Singles Class 3 W: Andela Muzinic Vincetic (CRO) RU: Carlotta Ragazzini (ITA) Women’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Sandra Mikolaschek (GER) RU: Irem Oluk (TUR) Women’s Singles Class 6 W: Stephanie Grebe (GER) RU: Katarzyna Marszal (POL) Women’s Singles Class 7 W: Bly Twomey (GBR) RU: Kubra Korkut (GBR) Women’s Singles Class 8 W: Juliane Wolf (GER) RU: Grace Williams (GBR) Women’s Singles Class 9 W: Alexa Szvitacs (HUN) RU: Karolina Pek (POL) Women’s Singles Class 10 W: Natalia Partyka (POL) RU: Merve Demir (TUR) Women’s Singles Class 11 W: Ebru Acer (TUR) RU: Natalia Kostromina (UKR) Men’s Doubles Class 4 W: Peter Lovas/Jan Riapos (SVK) RU: Daniel Rodriguez/Iker Sastre (ESP) Men’s Doubles Class 8 W: Valentin Baus/Thomas Schmidberger (GER) RU: Emeric Martin/Florian Merrien (FRA)

98 SWAYTHLING January 2026

Men’s Doubles Class 22 W: Milan Kreisz/Adam Kovacs (HUN) RU: Lucas Creange/Timothe Ivaldi (FRA) Women’s Doubles Class 5 W: Carlotta Ragazzini/Giada Rossi (ITA) RU: Sanja Bogunovic/Ana Zelen (SRB) Women’s Doubles Class 10 W: Helena Dretar Karic/Andela Muzinic Vincetic (TUR) RU: Hatice Duman/Merve Ozsu (TUR) Women’s Doubles Class 14 W: Morgen Caillaud/Thu Kamkasomphu (FRA) RU: Stephanie Grebe/Juliane Wolf (GER) Women’s Doubles Class 20 W: Natalia Partyka/Karolina Pek (POL) RU: Zsofia Arloy/Alexa Szvitacs (HUN) Mixed Doubles Class 4 W: Fabien Lamirault/Maeva Olivier (FRA) RU: Federico Crosara/Giada Rossi (ITA) Mixed Doubles Class 7 W: Thomas Bruechle/Sandra Mikolaschek (GER) RU: Borna Travincek/Alena Kanova (SVK) Mixed Doubles Class 10 W: Ali Ozturk/Irem Oluk (TUR) RU: Jack Hunter Spivey/Megan Shackleton (GBR) Mixed Doubles Class 14 W: Will Bayley/Bly Twomey (GBR) RU: Clément Berthier/Morgan Caillaud (FRA) Mixed Doubles Class 17 W: Piotr Grudzien/Karolina Pek (POL) RU: Ander Cepas/Olaia Martinez (ESP) Mixed Doubles Class 20 W: Patryk Chojnowski/Natalia Partyka (POL) RU: Pawel Wlodka/Ewa Foskett (POL)

DUBAI 2025 ASIAN YOUTH PARA GAMES, UAE Wednesday 10th - Saturday 13th December Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 1-3 W: Uichiro Kitagawa (JPN) RU: Yeh Chin-Wei (TPE) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 4-5 W: Ryoto Nakamura (JPN) RU: Rishit Nathwani (IND) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 6-7 W: Huang Rem-Ting (TEP) RU: Swikrit Neupane (NEP) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 8 W: Ali Makhulbekov (KAZ) RU: Igor Khudyakov (KAZ) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 9 W: So Kwang Nam (PRK) RU: Aliff Aldih (MAS)Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 10 W: Su Jin-Sian (TPE) RU: Vishwa Vijay Tambe (IND) Under 23 Men’s Singles Class 11 W: Chen Po-Yen (TPE) RU: Muhammad Dwiputra (INA) Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 1-5 W: Ena Miyazaki (JPN) RU: Annisa Qolbi (INA) Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 7 W: Zahra Namazi (IRI) RU: Zhuldyz Yerubayeva (KAZ) Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 8 W: Hananeh Nejati (IND) RU: Asako Kurashimo (JPN) Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 9 W: Baby Ravi (IND) RU: Lney Manginsay (PHI) Under 23 Women’s Singles Class 10 W: Riri Miura (JPN) RU: Janisa Khompast (THA) Under 23 Men’s Doubles Class 8 W: Yuchiro Kitagawa/Ryota Nakamura (JPN) RU: Huang Chien-Fang/Yeh Chin-Wei (TPE) Under 23 Men’s Doubles Class 14-18 W: Arsham Ramazani/Ali Pasti (IRI) RU: Huang Ren-Ting/Su Jin-Sian (TPE) Under 23 Women’s Doubles Class 14-20 W: Asako Kurashimo/Riri Miura (JPN) RU: Nindyta Falaqh/Dewi Sugiharto (INA) Under 23 Mixed Doubles Class 7-10 W: Rishit Nathwani/Vijaya Gangapatnam (IND) RU: Muhammad Musthofa/Annisa Qolbi (INA)

Mixed Doubles Class 22 W: Lucas Creange/Lea Ferney (FRA) RU: Maciej Makajew/Ewa Cychowska (POL)

Under 23 Mixed Doubles Class 14-17 W: Ali Makhulbekov/Altynay Yerzhankyzy (KAZ) RU: Huang Ren-Ting/Asako Kurashimo (TPE/JPN) Under 23 Mixed Doubles Class 20 W: Sun Jin-Sian/Rira Miura (TPE/JPN) RU: Vishwa Tambe/Baby Ravi (IND)