Tangier Hosts the General Assembly of the African Table Tennis Union

Tanger Hosts African Table Tennis Union General Assembly Amidst African Championships

The city of Tangier recently hosted the General Assembly of the African Table Tennis Union, organized alongside the African Championships taking place in the city by the Strait. This meeting attracted more than 70 participants, including notable figures from the international sports community, such as Petra Sörling, the president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), and Nawal El Moutawakel, the vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The General Assembly of the African Table Tennis Union in Tangier provided a unique opportunity to assess the state of the sport on the continent, address challenges hindering development, and discuss various organizational proposals, including amendments to the organization’s statutes. Participants also focused on the action plan and upcoming African competitions scheduled for 2027.

Anas Ziyati, president of the Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation (FRMTT), emphasized that hosting this meeting in Morocco reflects the growing prominence of national table tennis on the continental stage. He also highlighted the importance of involving African and international sports personalities in discussions regarding the future of the discipline.

According to the FRMTT president, the proceedings of the General Assembly were conducted in an atmosphere of transparency and democracy, facilitating constructive exchanges on several organizational issues. He noted that the Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation had submitted various proposals aimed at improving the functioning of the African Union and revising certain provisions of its statutes.

Nawal El Moutawakel underscored the necessity of enhancing youth and women’s participation in sports, combating harassment in the sports environment, and improving financing mechanisms as well as access to facilities. She asserted that the development of table tennis must include modernizing governance practices and implementing initiatives that enable the sport to regain its deserving stature.

The IOC vice president also praised the current dynamism of the Royal Moroccan Table Tennis Federation, paying tribute to the efforts of a young, energetic team dedicated to promoting the discipline and enhancing its visibility.

Petra Sörling, the president of the ITTF, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the sport in Africa. She specifically noted the emergence of promising young talents and the rising level of competitiveness in the continental championships.

The international official also commended the quality of the organization and Moroccan hospitality, suggesting that this meeting reflects a shared commitment among all stakeholders to continue their efforts for the development of African table tennis.

According to statements from the officials present, discussions primarily focused on the challenges faced by national federations, ways to improve their governance, and the levers that could promote participation in the sport. There was also emphasis on the need to translate the proposals made into concrete actions in the next steps.

Additionally, the General Assembly provided an opportunity to review the activities of the past year, evaluate the 2026 program, and outline the main directions for the 2027 agenda, particularly concerning the upcoming African competitions. The goal is to enhance coordination between national federations and create new opportunities for the development of table tennis across the continent.

Holding this General Assembly in Tangier, alongside the African Table Tennis Championships, aligns with the growing momentum of the sport in Morocco. It also helps reinforce the country’s presence in continental and international discussions concerning the future of the sport.

Through these meetings, stakeholders in African table tennis aim to widen the base of practitioners, support the rise of young talents, improve training and competition conditions, and strengthen cooperation among national federations.

These priorities are crucial for elevating the level of African table tennis and solidifying its presence in upcoming international sporting events.