The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion, using the global platform of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2025 to promote acceptance and unity through sport.

This year’s main celebration, held in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together players, community leaders, and international officials under the theme “Diversity and Inclusion,” reflecting the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to ensure table tennis is accessible and welcoming to all.

ITTF President Petra Sörling, speaking at Nairobi’s City Hall, emphasized the importance of integrating people from different backgrounds and making everyone feel respected and empowered to participate.

Sörling also highlighted a landmark decision by the International Olympic Committee to introduce a Mixed Team event for table tennis at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games—a move she described as a breakthrough for gender equality and inclusion in sport.

“We need to think about the next generation, how we can open doors and work with diversity and inclusion—not just for World Table Tennis Day, but every day,” Sörling remarked1.

The Nairobi celebration showcased how table tennis can drive social change at the grassroots level. The ITTF Foundation’s partnership with Vision Changers Kenya, through the Dream Building Fund, has supported projects like “Hope kwa Vijana Mtaani,” which uses table tennis for youth empowerment, crime prevention, and rehabilitation in informal settlements.

Over the past three years, this initiative has contributed to a decrease in juvenile offenses and strengthened community bonds.

Inclusive tournaments, community matches, and cultural performances marked the Nairobi event, while roundtable discussions explored how sport can foster more inclusive communities.

The ITTF Foundation’s Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Action Plan 2025 further guides these efforts, aiming for equal opportunities, representation, and leadership for women and marginalized groups across the sport.

By uniting over 300 events in 120 countries, WTTD 2025 has demonstrated that table tennis is more than a game—it is a global movement for inclusion, empowerment, and positive social change.

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