DOHA: Former world champion and current President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) Liu Guoliang was appointed as World Table Tennis (WTT) chairman.
The WTT is entrusted with the responsibility of pioneering the future of table tennis.
“Table tennis has enriched my life in so many ways and I have dedicated my life to this sport over many years. Therefore, I am immensely proud and honoured to have the opportunity to direct the WTT Council and help to make table tennis one of the leading sports in the world,” said Liu Guoliang
Putting players and fans at the very heart of its mission, WTT was set up by the ITTF in August 2019, a milestone in the professionalisation reforms of the sport and modernise its commercial activities.
The WTT Council will ensure the healthy development of WTT and be at the helm of the future development of the sport. Therefore, a true leader in the industry is needed to take on the position and direct the journey towards a brighter future.
“WTT is highly honoured to welcome Liu as Chair of the WTT Council. We believe that, by following his direction, the global table tennis community will strive for a common goal, driving the WTT Council as well as our sport to the next level,” ITTF said in a statement.
“Liu is an extremely well-respected leader within the global table tennis community, demonstrating the perfect calibre and richest of career achievements.”
Following a stellar playing career, in which he won gold medals at the Olympics and World Table Tennis Championships, Liu has since overseen serial success as the head coach of the Chinese National Team and as CTTA President.
“Liu is an undisputed table tennis legend for what he has achieved both as a player, a coach and as CTTA President. We are delighted to be welcoming him on board as Chair of the WTT Council,” said Khalil Al Mohannadi, WTT Board Member & ITTF Deputy President.
“For the success of WTT and table tennis as a whole, it is imperative that we have people of the highest order actively involved in shaping the future of our sport,” said ITTF CEO Steve Dainton, who is also a WTT Board Member.
