The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has launched a process that goes beyond a simple electoral call. With the opening of nominations for the ITTF Athletes’ Commission Elections 2026, the organisation reaffirms the importance of integrating players’ direct experience at the heart of sports governance, recognising that those who compete are also the ones who best understand the needs, challenges and transformations of modern table tennis.
In an increasingly global, diverse and demanding sport, the Athletes’ Commission has become a key platform for channelling the athletes’ voice in decision-making. The elections will determine the Commission that will serve from 2026 to 2030, during a decisive period to strengthen representation, transparency and dialogue between athletes and institutions.
A call to influence beyond the table
The opening of the nomination process represents a concrete opportunity for athletes to take on an active role in shaping the future of table tennis. The ITTF has invited its Member Associations to propose candidates who not only have sporting credentials, but also the willingness to represent their peers, bring practical insight into decision-making and help foster an environment in which athletes are informed, respected and heard.
The requirements set out in the Election Procedure reflect this balance between experience and commitment. Having competed in World Championships or Para World Championships between 2018 and 2026, being at least 18 years old at the close of the relevant event, belonging to the nominating association and being able to communicate effectively in English are among the conditions designed to ensure active, diverse and genuinely internationally connected representation.
Representation, equity and the road to the elections
The composition of the ITTF Athletes’ Commission is designed to reflect the diversity of table tennis. Ten athletes will be elected: eight positions for non-disabled athletes and two for Para table tennis athletes, ensuring representation of both a wheelchair athlete and a standing athlete. This structure seeks balanced representation across all Para sport classes and reinforces the principle of inclusion within the federation’s framework.
Following the nomination deadline, set for Thursday 19 February 2026 at 23:59 CET, the ITTF Nominations Committee will review the applications before publishing the official list of candidates on 28 March 2026. The elections will take place during the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships 2026 and the ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships 2026, through in-person and secret ballot voting, in a process lasting seven days from the first day of each event and carefully regulated to safeguard impartiality and electoral integrity.
