International Table Tennis Federation
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926 with only nine members. Today, that number has grown to over 210 member nations. The ITTF recognises only the member unions of table tennis globally and six federations on the continental
level.
These six federations include the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), the North American Table Tennis Union (NATTU), the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU), The Oceanic Table Tennis Federation (OTTF), the Latin American Table Tennis Union (LATTU) and finally
the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF). These federations not only organise events on the continental level, but also inter-continental tournaments for the development of the game globally.
The need to develop the continental federations and unions was required due to fact that a single governing body was unable to co-ordinate and manage the affairs of all the associations in the world. The local continental federations and unions were invited
to affiliate with the ITTF. The main goal is to allow each federation to ‘micro-manage’ their own particular geographic region, allowing for a competitive inter-regional grouping. Only those associations which are members of the continental federations were
eligible to participate in the ITTF events and the Olympics.
The continental federations were further divided into different regions according to their geography. Many different tournaments are arranged continent-wise to cultivate a healthy sports environment and provide opportunities to the players at the international
circuit.
The member federations and unions of the ITTF hold annual meetings to review the existing rules and regulations and to implement any new policies. In the annual grand meeting, the general elections for the ITTF President, Vice President and the representatives
from the continental federations are also in attendance.
The largest union affiliated with the ITTF is the ETTU which currently contains 57 members. The ETTU was founded in 1957 with only 17 member associations which have now grown to 57. The popularity of table tennis in Europe as a competitive sport has contributed
to the increase of member associations. The major events held under ETTU are the Euro-Asia Cup, European Champions League, European Championship (EC) and Europe Top-12.
The United States of America is divided in to two federations, the LATTU and the NATTU. The LATTU was founded in 1973 with 36 associated nations and organises the Latin American Junior / Cadet Championships and the Latin American Championships. The NATTU
currently has 4 member nations associated with it. In North America, the lack of popularity for table tennis as a competitive sport can be demonstrated with the fact that NATTU holds the least amount of member associations with only four.
The ATTU was officially recognised in 1975, three years after its formation. China is the currently the strongest competitor in the ATTU and also highest in the world rankings. The Asian Games, South East Asian Games and East Asian Games are the major tournaments
in this region.
The OTTF was founded in 1977, currently hosting 23 members associations. The major tournaments of this region are the Oceanic Cup, South Pacific Cup and Oceanic Championship. The OTTF is also an affiliated member of the ATTU.
The ATTF was formerly a two unit structure, but later in 1991 the ITTF passed a resolution that it should be unified into a single body. Thus, the ATTF emerged with 46 member nations.
The ITTF is working hard to create a fair and competitive table tennis environment throughout the world. Players from all regions can be recognised and supported to enable a more diversified level of tournaments and championships. The hard work and dedication
of the ITTF will ensure the popularity of table tennis to grow in the future.
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