International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Petra Sörling has raised serious concerns over the shortage of major table tennis competitions across Africa, warning that the continent must urgently create more local tournaments if its players are to compete consistently with the world’s best.
Speaking on the future of African table tennis, Sörling stressed that hosting international sporting events should go beyond the excitement of competition, insisting that African countries must establish lasting structures capable of developing young talents.
The ITTF president highlighted the historic return of the World Table Tennis Championships to Africa in Durban, South Africa, in 2023, after an 84-year absence, describing it as a significant milestone for the continent.
“We went back in 2023 with the World Championships after 84 years,” Sörling stated.
She also welcomed the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, emphasising the importance of ensuring that such landmark events produce sustainable benefits for African sports.
“Of course, it’s important for us, both the preparations for that, but also the legacy,” she explained.
Sörling revealed that the influence of previous international competitions is already encouraging fresh initiatives across Africa, including a new event planned for Botswana.
“I do believe that that was also an inspiration from Durban, being there, learning, being inspired,” she added.
Beyond the excitement surrounding major championships, Sörling identified limited competition opportunities and difficult travel arrangements between African countries as significant obstacles to player development.
She argued that organising more tournaments within Africa would allow emerging talents to gain valuable international experience without constantly undertaking expensive journeys abroad.
Her position comes as the ITTF intensifies its investment in African table tennis, with its 2025 annual report confirming a 30 percent increase in development funding for the continent ahead of Dakar 2026. documents.ittf.sport
For countries like Nigeria, which have produced internationally recognised stars including Quadri Aruna, the proposed expansion could provide a stronger pathway for younger players seeking to establish themselves globally.
Sörling’s message also challenges African table tennis administrators to build sustainable competitions, improve regional cooperation and ensure that major sporting events leave lasting benefits.
As Senegal prepares to host Africa’s first Youth Olympic Games, the ITTF president believes the continent has an important opportunity to transform international attention into long-term sporting progress.
The challenge now is ensuring that Africa’s next generation of table tennis stars can develop, compete and succeed without being forced to leave the continent to find meaningful opportunities.
