There are discussions about Singapore becoming the world’s first home of table tennis

SINGAPORE – The world’s first home of table tennis (HoTT) could be in Singapore, which the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has described as a “brilliant example of what is possible” as it signed a letter of intent with Sport. Singapore (SportSG) on Sunday.

The signing ceremony, which was attended by Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong and top ITTF brass, was held before the men’s and women’s singles finals of the second leg of the Singapore Smash at the OCBC Arena.

Thanks to the memorandum of understanding, both parties can start discussions on the establishment of the HoTT.

Conceived as an international center of excellence, HoTT in Singapore would focus its efforts on raising the profile of table tennis in the Singaporean community and create opportunities for athletes and coaches to strengthen their capabilities through the knowledge and networks of the ITTF.

Leveraging Singapore’s technological prowess and talent, it can also be a test bed for innovative creations and digital table tennis solutions and contribute to the upliftment of the sport globally through programs that increase community participation and viewership.

ITTF President Petra Sorling said: “This project is a significant milestone for table tennis and a clear sign of our commitment to the continued growth and development of the sport worldwide.

“As we strive to bring table tennis to new corners of the world and inspire the next generation of players and fans, Singapore serves as a great example of what is possible.

“By partnering with SportSG to consider establishing a center in Singapore, we are laying the groundwork for a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable future for our sport. We are excited to continue working closely with SportSG to realize this vision and create more opportunities for table tennis players and fans worldwide.

SportSG CEO (designate) Alan Goh added: “This will see SportSG work with the ITTF to chart new paths and create more opportunities to benefit local athletes, coaches, industry partners and the rest of our table tennis fraternity.”

The HoTTs are meant to expand the sport’s global footprint and offer host cities the opportunity to harness “the power of sport to promote economic growth, social progress and international cooperation”.

The project was launched in 2019, but was put on hold due to Covid-19. With the pandemic largely under control globally, the ITTF welcomes global cities to apply and participate, with Singapore identified as a potential candidate after successfully hosting several marquee world table tennis events, including the Singapore Smash.

The ITTF carefully considers each application and selects the most suitable host city for each headquarters based on a number of factors, including infrastructure, accessibility and local support for table tennis, boxes that the Republic mostly ticked.

ITTF CEO Steve Dainton said: “This initiative is certainly a step forward in our efforts to grow and develop the sport of table tennis in Singapore and around the world as we hope to inspire the next generation of table tennis players and fans.

“Since the opening of the ITTF Asia Pacific office in Singapore in 2011, we have seen table tennis grow by leaps and bounds in Singapore. We look forward to having more centers like this around the world.”