Since its founding in 1926, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has had eight presidents from seven countries: two from the UK, two from Sweden, and one each from Germany, Canada, Japan, and China. Each brought unique legacies to the sport. Here’s a look back at their contributions and controversies:
1st President: Ivor Montagu (1904–1984) – England
Term: 1926–1967 (41 years)
A founding figure of the ITTF and its longest-serving president.
Helped define many of the sport’s foundational rules.
Hosted the first ITTF Congress in his home study.
His mother donated the Swaythling Cup for the men’s team world championship.
Promoted table tennis in developing nations and broke Cold War taboos by inviting New China to the World Championships—an early sign of sports diplomacy.
2nd President: Roy Evans (1909–1998) – Wales, UK
Term: 1967–1987
Championed the inclusion of table tennis in the Olympic Games.
Launched the World Cup (men only at first) in 1980; the trophy is named in his honor.
Lost re-election in 1987 to Japan’s Ichiro Ogimura.
3rd President: Ichiro Ogimura (1932–1994) – Japan
Term: 1987–1994
The first Asian ITTF President and the first world champion to hold the role (12-time world champion).
Coached abroad, influencing the development of both Swedish and Chinese table tennis.
Proposed increasing the ball size from 38mm to 40mm to improve visibility—but died before the change was implemented.
4th President: Lollo Hammarlund (1932–1995) – Sweden
Term: 1995 (Less than 1 year)
The shortest-serving ITTF President.
Passed away within the same year of taking office.
Remembered for being fair and impartial, but had little time to leave a legacy.
5th President: Xu Yinsheng (1938– ) – China
Term: 1995–1999
The only Chinese ITTF President, also a former world champion.
Took over during a leadership vacuum.
Promoted modernization and reform before stepping down voluntarily to support smooth leadership transition.
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6th President: Adham Sharara (1953– ) – Canada
Term: 1999–2014
A reformist but controversial figure.
Introduced many changes: 40mm ball, hidden serve ban, 11-point game, and ban on speed glue.
Accused by ETTU officials of using ITTF resources for unfair commercial advantage involving over $20 million.
Stepped down in 2014 and was banned from ITTF roles in 2019 following internal investigation.
7th President: Thomas Weikert (1961– ) – Germany
Term: 2014–2021
His presidency was marked by tensions with Sharara and internal ITTF conflicts.
Ousted in 2021 by ITTF members and lost operational power.
Later elected President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation.
8th President: Petra Sörling (1971– ) – Sweden
Term: 2021–Present
The first female president in ITTF history.
Played a leading role in unseating Weikert.
Pushing for commercialization and global expansion of the sport.
Faced heated opposition from Qatari official Ahmed Al-Mohannadi in the 2025 election. Although re-elected, her second term may prove turbulent.
