Table tennis is experiencing a moment of transformation and hope across the Americas. The President of the ITTF, Petra Sörling, completed a 10-day official visit to the continent to strengthen regional cooperation, foster the development of young talent, and consolidate strategic alliances with sports authorities and local leaders. Beyond formal meetings, the tour allowed for direct contact with the community, highlighting the power of sport to connect people and build promising futures.

During her tour, President Sörling not only participated in institutional activities but also witnessed the passion and skill of future table tennis stars at the Pan American Championships Sub-11 and Sub-13. Each encounter with athletes, coaches, and officials reaffirmed the importance of creating spaces that promote youth, inclusion, and sustainable growth of sport across the region.

Guatemala: hub for training and institutional engagement

In Guatemala, Sörling’s visit combined formal commitments and moments of community connection. She was welcomed by Gerardo Aguirre, President of the NOC, and Claudia Rivera, NOC member, as well as the Mayor of Antigua, Juan Manuel Asturias. The president attended the ITTF-Américas 2025 General Assembly in Antigua, where the work of President Juan Vila and his Executive Board was recognized. The day allowed delegates to witness young talent and discuss sustainability and inclusion initiatives through the ITTF Foundation.

Beyond institutional events, each meeting fostered close dialogue with coaches and authorities, creating an environment where experience and emotion combined to strengthen table tennis practice. Watching the Pan American Championships Sub-11 and Sub-13 provided ITTF leaders with a concrete view of emerging talent and the human impact of sport, encouraging the development of youth programs that go beyond sports venues.

Dominican Republic: strategic alliances and sustainable future

The visit continued in the Dominican Republic, where Sörling was welcomed by Luis Mejía, President of Centro Caribe Sports and IOC member, as well as Garibaldi Bautista, President of the Dominican NOC. Discussions included the opening of the ITTF-Américas Academy in 2026, aimed at training new generations of athletes in renovated facilities at Parque del Este. The president also met with the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz, and the Minister of Finance, Majin Díaz, emphasizing the importance of institutional cooperation and government support to ensure a strong future for table tennis.

Meetings with private sector leaders such as Felipe Vicini and Ramón Hipólito Mejía completed a visit focused on strengthening alliances and projecting the sport’s expansion. The tour highlighted the ITTF’s commitment to youth, sustainability, and sports excellence, demonstrating that table tennis in the Americas is on track for inclusive growth, connecting communities, and nurturing leaders both on and off the court.