The race for the presidency of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is underway, with three officially approved candidates competing for the organization’s top position. Mohamed El Hacen Ahmed Salem (Mauritania), Khalil Al-Mohannadi (Qatar), and Petra Sörling (Sweden) are the contenders aiming to lead the future of global table tennis. The election will take place during the ITTF Annual General Meeting on May 27 in Doha, Qatar, as part of the ITTF Summit 2025.

The three candidates were evaluated and approved by the Nominations Committee during its meeting on March 6, complying with ITTF electoral regulations. This process marks a crucial moment for the sport, as delegates from the 222 member nations will decide who will be the next leader to guide global strategies and the development of table tennis in the coming years.

A PIVOTAL MOMMENTS FOR TABLE TENNIS

The ITTF presidential election promises to be a historic event, with candidates representing different regions and visions for the sport’s future. Petra Sörling, the current president since 2021, seeks re-election after leading key projects during her tenure. Meanwhile, Khalil Al-Mohannadi, president of the table tennis federations of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Asia, aims to become the first Qatari to hold this global position. Mohamed El Hacen Ahmed Salem completes the list as a representative of Mauritania, bringing a unique perspective from Africa.

The ITTF Summit 2025 will serve as a key platform not only for this election but also for shaping future strategies and selecting the host cities for the ITTF World Championships in 2027, 2028, and 2029. With a focus on collaboration and global development, this gathering promises to be a milestone for international table tennis.