The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is experiencing one of the most significant transformation periods in its recent history, marked by a leadership transition that coincides with the start of President Petra Sörling’s second term. Following the continuation of the 2025 Annual General Meeting and the first session of the renewed Executive Committee, the institution announced changes aimed at aligning its internal structure with the challenges and ambitions of a federation preparing for its centenary in 2026. This reconfiguration opens a new chapter for a sport that has had to reinvent itself in response to the demands of a constantly evolving global landscape.
The process, developed steadily over recent months, includes the transition of key figures such as Steve Dainton, who will assume full-time leadership of World Table Tennis (WTT), and Raúl Calín, who will leave the ITTF after decades of service. These decisions mark the beginning of an administrative reorganization that will require new perspectives and leadership capable of sustaining daily operations, maintaining cohesion among Member Associations, and projecting table tennis toward a future defined by modernization, strong governance, and global expansion.
A new structure for a decisive moment
The vision of Petra Sörling emerges as a fundamental pillar in this process. Her leadership, supported by ITTF members, drives a transition that not only addresses an organizational need but also prepares the federation for a decisive cycle. In her view, the renewed mandate demands a leadership structure capable of meeting the challenges of the coming years: a period that will require modernizing processes, strengthening teams, and developing strategies that sustain the sport’s growth in a competitive and ever-changing environment. In this context, the ITTF’s 2026 centenary becomes a turning point that invites the federation to rethink its long-term direction.
The acknowledgement of Dainton and Calín’s work reflects the human dimension behind this transition. Both were key figures in navigating particularly complex years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges. Under their administration, the ITTF strengthened its financial stability, expanded its event portfolio, and reinforced its relevance within the Olympic and Paralympic Movements. The legacy they leave behind is not limited to institutional achievements; it also represents personal commitment, sustained vision, and resilience.
Leaderships that chart new paths
The career of Steve Dainton within the ITTF reflects a vision driven by innovation and business development. As chief executive since 2017, he led a structural transformation that materialized in the creation of World Table Tennis, a platform that redesigned the way the sport is presented globally. His transition to an exclusive leadership role at WTT is not only a professional shift but also a continuation of a mission he helped shape: professionalizing events, elevating the athlete and fan experience, and positioning the sport as a competitive product in both emerging and established markets. For Dainton, the exponential growth of WTT in recent years validates his decision to dedicate all his efforts to the organization’s next stage.
For his part, Raúl Calín represents the human dimension of table tennis. After 35 years devoted to the sport in multiple roles—player, coach, umpire, governance leader, and key figure within the Paralympic movement—his departure stems from the conviction that the federation is ready for a new cycle with renewed energy. His tenure as secretary general since 2017 was marked by historic advances in governance, operational strengthening of events, and the inclusion of new disciplines in the Olympic program. His farewell, expressed with deep gratitude and emotion, underscores the affective and vocational dimension that has shaped his career. He will soon assume a new role within an International Olympic Federation, carrying with him invaluable experience and an unwavering commitment to the growth of the sport.
