International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited Qatar last week to participate in various sporting and educational events, highlighting the achievements of the global table tennis community and Qatar’s commitment to youth sport.
While in Doha, Bach attended the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Table Tennis Championships 2025, held at the Lusail Sports Arena. At the final of the tournament, she presented the ITTF Geist Trophy to women’s singles world champion Sun Yingsha, who successfully defended her title in a thrilling showdown against compatriot Wang Manyu.
Global table tennis commitment
As part of the ITTF summit, held in conjunction with the championship finals, Bach awarded the IOC Unity Trophy to the ITTF in recognition of its contributions and innovations within the Olympic Movement. During his speech, Bach praised the reforms, technological advances and global inclusiveness promoted by the ITTF, highlighting the success of table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and its growing digital presence.
The IOC President also highlighted the inclusion of a sixth medal event for table tennis in the Olympic program, reaffirming the IOC’s confidence in the continued evolution of the sport. In addition, he encouraged the table tennis community to continue to lead the way in promoting Olympic values around the world.
Bach honored for his support of table tennis
In a special ceremony, Bach received the first ITTF Badge of Honor, presented by ITTF President Petra Sörling and Vice President Liu Guoliang. This recognition highlighted her consistent support for table tennis and her transformative impact on the sport during her presidency.
Sörling highlighted Bach’s leadership in promoting gender equality and innovation in the Olympic Movement, mentioning the introduction of mixed doubles in Tokyo 2020 and the upcoming mixed team event in Los Angeles 2028. The ITTF recognized him as a visionary leader whose legacy has driven inclusion, sustainability and digital advancement in the global development of table tennis.
Olympic values in Qatar’s school curriculum
Earlier in the week, Bach visited the 18th edition of the Qatar School Olympic Program (SOP), held at the Aspire Dome. This event brought together more than 6,000 students and their families, highlighting the unifying power of sport. During the closing ceremony, Bach presented medals in volleyball, celebrating the achievements of the young athletes and the strengthening of school sports in the country.
The SOP has become a key pillar of Qatar’s vision to integrate sport into education and promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect among young people. This approach reinforces Qatar’s commitment to sport and educational development at the national level.
