ITTF World Cup Championships Digi mag

2023 ITTF WORLD TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALS

MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF KWA-ZULU NATAL

On behalf of the African continent, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal welcomes you to this prestigious global sporting event that comes to the Continent for the first time since 1939. KwaZulu-Natal is ready to serve the authentic African hospitality not only to the 600 athletes who will be in action across the five events, but to the more than 100 million viewers across the world who will be part of this experience.

Boasting world-class sporting and conferencing facilities, like Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, the theatre of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championship Finals from 20-28 May, we will put our best foot forward as we have done with previous global sporting events.

We are positioning KwaZulu-Natal as the sporting mecca of the world and hosting the Championship Finals aligns with our strategy. This event will certainly inspire our young athletes and promote their participation in the sport.

Enjoy all the drives, counter drives, backhands and more. Ours is to smash all the records and host the most successful event.

MESSAGE FROM THE ITTF PRESIDENT

Ms Petra Sörling

On behalf of the International Table Tennis Federation, it is with great excitement that we extend a warm welcome to all of you attending the historic ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2023. This remarkable event marks a significant milestone as we bring the Championships to Africa for the first time since 1939. We are honoured to showcase our beloved sport in this region and embrace the opportunity to unite the global table tennis community.

Set amidst the vibrant city of Durban, South Africa, this tournament promises to be an extraordinary experience. Our esteemed players will demonstrate their unparalleled skills on the grand stage of the Durban International Convention Centre, a state-of-the-art venue befitting this prestigious occasion. We aim not only to witness thrilling matches but also to create an unforgettable atmosphere that inspires and captivates all participants.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the South African government, the Kwazulu Natal province, the city of Durban, and the South African Table Tennis Board for their invaluable support and dedication. Without their efforts, this event would not have been possible. By bringing the ITTF World Championships Finals to Africa, we highlight not only the progress of the region but also its immense potential for future growth and development. We are excited to witness the passion and hospitality of South Africa and to celebrate this momentous occasion together.

Once again, a warm welcome to the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2023. Let us come together in the spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and sporting excellence as we create unforgettable memories and pave the way for table tennis to thrive in Africa and beyond. Thank you for joining us, and let the games begin!

MESSAGE FROM THE SATTB PRESIDENT

On behalf of the South African Table Tennis Board it is my honour and priviledge to welcome the International Table Tennis Family to the very first World Championships in the City of Durban and expansive province of KwaZulu Natal.

This has been an epic journey with the knowledge that the eyes of the World will be squarely on our ability to deliver an event that befits the status of a World Championships. We have spared no effort to garner support from all quarters to enable us to arrive at the final destination. We therefore also take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all and sundry, whether as a sponsor, a supporter, stakeholder, players and fans alike for the support provided.

We know that this Championship will be like no other and that many memories will be shaped around this championships and trust that in the main will be fond and lasting memories. After hosting the WTT Contender it was clear that the excitement is palpable and reinforces our belief that the impact of hosting the ITTF’s most prestigious property will be everlasting.

Hosting this championship is a tribute to all our former leaders and players who denied the opportunity to represent our sport in the global arena. We say thank you to them for providing this generation with a platform to grow, develop and play our sport. Allow me to extend our best wishes to all participants, in whichever capacity, a safe, enjoyable and memorable stay in Durban.

DURBAN IS THE PLACE TO BE

Table Tennis. For all. For life

THE HISTORY OF THE SATTB

Since its unification in 1991, the South African Table Tennis Board (SATTB) has come a long way in introducing the sport of table tennis to all spectrums of the South African population, on one level, and to start the journey towards international competition medals, on another.

2001 was a historical year for the South African Table Tennis Board as it celebrated ten years of unification. The unity was between the then South African Table Tennis Union (SATTU) that was formed in 1939 and the South African Table Tennis Board (SATTB) that was formed in 1948. The two organisations SATTU and SATTB signed a declaration of intent on 21 July 1991 to unite the SATTB and SATTU into one controlling body for Table Tennis in South Africa.

The unification process was facilitated by Mr. Hans Gisecke, Vice-President Finance (ITTF), Mr. George Segun President of the ATTF and Mr. Fikrou Kidane Special Advisor to the IOC on African Affairs. The Declaration of Intent outlined the mandate of the unified interim structure for the next two years, which commenced on 21 July 1991 – December1993, after which democratic elections would be held to elect the Executive Body.

In February 1992 an Inauguration Championships was held in Johannesburg and once again we were honoured by the presence of Mr. Ichiro Ogimura, President of the ITTF, Mr. George Segun, President of the ATTF. Mr. Ichiro Ogimura mentioned at this event that he would be discussing the possibility of awarding two wild cards to South Africa to participate in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games with his executive, which had the support of the ATTF and NOSC.

South Africa was awarded two wild cards and the two athletes that represented South Africa were Mr. Louis Botha (SATTU) and Miss Cheryl Roberts (SATTB). The decision to send these two athletes was met with some resistance, the National Interim Body was determined that it would be a team of National Unity.

Success of Transformation

One of the key principles of the SATTB was and still is to ensure that table tennis reflects the demographics of the country. In retrospect the early teams of national unity enabled us to fast-track the playing standards of PDI’s to such an extent that we were able to select a team on merit for the 1995 All Africa Games, this team had a 40% black representatives. By 1997 the national team that participated in the World Championships reflected 72% black athletes and this trend has continued.

Further inroads have been made at Provincial level, whereby at the last years Junior Championships 80% of the participants were black. The SATTB has also witnessed the emergence of more black administrators at provincial level. The South African Table Tennis Board is proud of its history and the progress made during the past ten years, the unification and transformation process has resulted in a non-racial, non-sexist organisation, which we treasure very dearly.

The challenge is now in the hands of the affiliates and future administrators to consolidate these accomplishments. Table Tennis is looked upon as one of the few sports to have been able to select its athletes totally on merit, which reflects the people of South Africa.

The Road Ahead

The challenge that faces the South African Table Tennis Board in the 21st century is to ensure that table tennis is accessible to the majority of citizens especially the youth, girls and persons with disabilities both in the urban and rural communities and at the same time assist our elite athletes to achieve their life dreams of being the best in the world.

Long live the SATTB, long live Table Tennis!

THE PEERLESS CASSIM PEER

In a significant act of defiance against the oppressive apartheid regime, the South African Table Tennis team embarked on a historic journey to the 1957 World Table Tennis Championships held in Gothenburg, Sweden. Led by their courageous captain, Cassim Peer, this team of color shattered racial barriers and became the first non-white team to participate in a World Championship event.

During the mid-20th century, South Africa was deeply entrenched in racial segregation, with apartheid laws prohibiting non-whites from participating in mainstream sports. However, a group of passionate table tennis players, united by their love for the sport and driven by the desire for equality, set out to challenge the status quo.

Cassim Peer emerged as a remarkable leader, inspiring his teammates to push beyond the confines imposed by the apartheid government. Through relentless dedication and unwavering determination, the team honed their skills in the face of adversity, honing their craft on humble and limited re-

sources. The journey to the World Championships was not without obstacles. The team faced immense opposition from the South African government, which sought to maintain the discriminatory sports policies of the time. Nevertheless, fueled by a shared belief in the power of sport to break down barriers, they persisted.

Their arrival in Gothenburg marked a watershed moment for both South African and international table tennis.

The team’s participation challenged the prevailing racial prejudices of the era, highlighting the injustice of apartheid policies to the global audience.

While their performance at the Championships did not yield notable victories, their presence alone symbolized a triumph of spirit and resilience. Their trailblazing journey inspired future generations, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse sporting landscape in South Africa.

The 1957 tour to the World Table Tennis Championships in Gothenburg stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports in promoting equality and social change. Cassim Peer and his teammates defied a repressive government, becoming pioneers of racial integration in international table tennis. Their actions resonated far beyond the confines of the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the struggle against apartheid and inspiring countless others to challenge injustice in their own spheres.

More than six decades later, their bravery and unwavering commitment continue to inspire athletes and sports enthusiasts to push for inclusivity, unity, and equality on and off the playing field.

THE SUPER SIX

In the thrilling, global realm of table tennis, where lightning-fast reflexes and strategic finesse collide, a group of exceptional athletes has risen to the top, leaving a trail of awe-inspiring performances in their wake. As we examine the world of men’s table tennis in 2023, we encounter a magnificent sextet of players who have pushed the boundaries of skill and showcased unmatched prowess.

These six men are at the forefront of the sport, captivating audiences worldwide with their breathtaking agility, relentless determination, and unparalleled talent. Let’s meet the elite ping pong players who have left an indelible mark on the table tennis landscape. They represent the pinnacle of men’s table tennis, showcasing exceptional skills, fierce competition, and an undying passion for the sport. The future of table tennis looks brighter than ever.

THE SENSATIONAL SIX

Table tennis is a sport that demands lightning-fast reflexes, unparalleled agility, and a touch of grace. In this respect, The world of table tennis has been revolutionized by a cohort of remarkable female athletes who have redefined the boundaries of the sport. In 2023, these awe-inspiring women have taken center stage, showcasing their exceptional skills, mental fortitude, and sheer dominance on the table. China dominates the female table tennis landscape with the top six women all hailing from the land of the dfragon.

These six remarkable women have elevated table tennis to unprecedented heights, showcasing breathtaking skills and unrivaled determination. With their incredible athleticism, strategic brilliance, and unwavering spirit, they have captivated audiences worldwide.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM

In a sport dominated by powerhouses like China and Japan, the South African table tennis team punches way above their weight. In South Africa, table tennis is an amateur code of sport, and the SA team has had to surmount numerous obstacles to compete in a global sport which in which being a professional player is a prerequisite to advance. Recently, the team underwent an intensive training course at the esteemed Stag Kelho Academy in India, where their physical and mental abilities were put to the test. Comprising talented men and women, the South African team is poised to make history as they embark on their journey to the World Table Tennis Championships Finals at the Durban ICC. Let’s dive into the inspiring tale of the South African team as they defy the odds and compete on home soil.

The Intensive Training Course at Stag Kelho Academy:

To prepare for the grueling battles that awaited them, the South African team embarked on a transformative training course at the renowned Stag Kelho Academy in India. The course not only focused on honing their technical skills but also challenged their physical and mental limits. Under the watchful guidance of top coaches and trainers, the team endured rigorous training sessions, aiming to elevate their game to new heights. This intensive course not only strengthened their physical abilities but also fortified their mental resilience, instilling a fierce determination to succeed.

The Men’s Team:

The South African men’s team consists of four exceptional players who have showcased their talent and dedication on the global stage. Theo Cogill, Chetan Nathoo, Liam Beukes, and Dan Levy bring a unique blend of experience and youthful exuberance to the team. Their unwavering commitment to the sport, coupled with relentless training and preparation, has positioned them as formidable competitors. With each player possessing their own distinct playing style and strengths, they form a formidable unit ready to challenge the world’s best.

The Women’s Team:

The South African women’s team is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Danisha Patel, Zodwa Maphanga, Musfiqur Kalam and Lailaa Edwards have overcome significant financial, resource, and personal obstacles to represent their nation at the highest level. Their journey to the World Table Tennis Championships Finals is a testament to their unwavering dedication

and passion for the sport. These talented athletes have not only defied odds but have become beacons of inspiration for aspiring female table tennis players across the country.

Overcoming Obstacles:

The South African team’s path to the World Championships Finals has not been without challenges. Limited financial resources and personal sacrifices have tested their resolve. Despite these obstacles, they have remained undeterred, displaying an unyielding spirit to succeed. Their journey is a testament to their indomitable will and serves as a reminder that true champions emerge from adversity.

Making History:

The South African team is set to make history by competing in the first-ever World Championships on South African soil and only the second on the African continent in 84 years. This landmark event not only provides an opportunity to showcase their skills but also serves as a platform to elevate table tennis’s popularity and development within.