ITTF Foundation Named Finalist for the Sports Business Awards with World Table Tennis Day 2025 Initiative

The ITTF Foundation is proud to announce that our World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2025 initiative has been shortlisted for the Sports Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award at the Sports Business Awards! Among 24 categories recognising best practices across the sports business sector, WTTD 2025 is honoured to be listed alongside seven other outstanding organisations championing equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport. The winners will be announced on 21 November in London.

Having received multiple nominations and awards in previous editions, our submission this year highlights the continued growth and impact of WTTD—our flagship initiative that brings people together from diverse backgrounds to connect around ONE table through the power of table tennis.

A Global Initiative Uniting the World

In its second consecutive year focusing on Diversity and Inclusion, WTTD 2025 set new records with 845 events held across 146 countries and territories, involving over 102,000 participants of all ages, gender identities, and abilities.

Thanks to the efforts of 32 Promoters from 29 countries and territories, WTTD 2025 further expanded its reach and impact at the community level, engaging refugees, people with disabilities, and marginalised groups. At the same time, a record 67 ITTF Member Associations actively took part in the celebration, reflecting a growing commitment at the national level to using table tennis as a tool for social connection and inclusion.

The WTTD 2025 main celebration took place in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by our Dream Building Fund partner Vision Changers Kenya. This vibrant event included inclusive table tennis tournaments, cultural performances, and a panel discussion on Diversity & Inclusion and sport for development, reflecting how sport can bring communities together to drive social change.

It is also our second year partnering with Pongmasters. 70 new table tennis tables were mapped globally, with 132 reviews added to promote inclusive and accessible playing spaces. We also continued to share practical tools with organisers through the Diversity and Inclusion Handbook – Phase 1 and Phase 2, supporting lasting impact beyond the celebration.

As we celebrate this nomination, we extend our warmest congratulations to the other finalists and our sincere thanks to the Sports Business Awards for recognising our work. We look forward to the awards ceremony on 21 November in London, where we will celebrate not just our own achievements, but also the collective efforts of all those working to make sport more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.

Click here to see the full list of the Sport Business Awards finalists

Read the WTTD 2025 Report here

(Photo by: EFFUTU TABLE TENNIS ACADEMY)