In an exclusive interview, Petra Sorling, President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), shared her insights on the most memorable moments of table tennis in 2024. Speaking with Sports Scene’s Zhu Mandan, Sorling highlighted a year filled with thrilling competitions and groundbreaking developments.
“2024 was one of the busiest and most exciting years for table tennis,” Sorling remarked. “From the World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals to the table tennis events at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and the Mixed Team World Cup, fans around the globe witnessed the sport reaching new heights.”
Sorling emphasized the significant impact of the Paris Olympics on the sport’s momentum. “The Olympic Games brought unparalleled attention to table tennis, inspiring a new generation of players and fans,” she said.
She also praised the Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu for introducing an innovative competition format. “The new format showcased the incredible possibilities of team collaboration, adding a fresh dynamic to the sport,” Sorling noted.
Acknowledging China’s pivotal role in table tennis, Sorling highlighted the country’s leadership in promoting gender equality. “China has been a frontrunner, not just in performance but also in advocating for equal opportunities. Players like Sun Yingsha have been instrumental in the sport’s development,” she added.
Looking ahead, Sorling expressed optimism for the future of table tennis. “With the passion we’ve seen this year, I’m confident that the sport will continue to grow and inspire people worldwide,” she concluded.
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Exclusive: ITTF boss Sorling on best table tennis moments of 2024
cgtn.com
