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Serving with Purpose: ITTF Unveils Planet Game Plan 2030 and Expands Global Participation
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has taken a decisive step forward in aligning performance with purpose, launching its Planet Game Plan 2030 alongside an expanded Participation Programme 2026. Together, the twin initiatives signal a governing body moving from pilot projects to structured, measurable impact, embedding sustainability and development into the DNA of global table tennis.
Effective from January 2026, the Planet Game Plan 2030 builds on the momentum of the ITTF Planet Action Plan 2025, which achieved 80% of its stated goals, with the remaining 20% advancing. The new roadmap shifts the federation from isolated initiatives to a long-term accountability framework structured around three pillars: Environment, Governance and Economic sustainability.
A Clear Environmental Target
Under its environmental pillar, the ITTF has committed to a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 against its 2025 baseline, supported by the introduction of an integrated carbon budgeting system and annual reporting. Event waste will be reduced to less than 10% to landfill, with single-use plastic eliminated at major ITTF-sanctioned events by 2030. A flagship “Zero Waste” event is planned by 2029.
Procurement reform sits at the heart of delivery. A Sustainable Procurement Policy will be developed in 2026, alongside the launch of a three-tier “ITTF Green Label” for equipment from 2027. Food waste will be cut by 30% by 2029, with greater emphasis on local sourcing and plant-based options.
ITTF President Petra Sörling framed the strategy as both ambition and responsibility:
“Building on that solid foundation, the ITTF Planet Game Plan 2030 represents our next, more ambitious and exciting chapter – to be responsible, trusted, and future-ready … sustainability is a long game… with the ITTF Planet Game Plan 2030, we are ready to serve with purpose, and to prove that when we play for the planet, everyone wins.”
“Building on that solid foundation, the ITTF Planet Game Plan 2030 represents our next, more ambitious and exciting chapter – to be responsible, trusted, and future-ready … sustainability is a long game… with the ITTF Planet Game Plan 2030, we are ready to serve with purpose, and to prove that when we play for the planet, everyone wins.”
Governance and Accountability
Crucially, the plan moves beyond environmental metrics. Sustainability KPIs will be integrated into departmental performance, while mandatory training for staff, elected officials and sponsored athletes begins in 2026. A Sustainable Event Label will further standardise expectations across the global calendar.
Athlete and Table Tennis Planet Ambassador Martin Perry emphasised the focus on execution:
“Through this plan, I’m looking forward to seeing real progress around sustainable events, responsible equipment, and partnerships that truly move the needle.”
“Through this plan, I’m looking forward to seeing real progress around sustainable events, responsible equipment, and partnerships that truly move the needle.”
Participation as the Foundation
Parallel to its environmental ambition, the ITTF Participation Programme 2026 enters its sixth year with renewed focus on youth development and education. In 2025, 76 Member Associations delivered 133 activities, reaching 9,802 participants with 45% female representation.
Support in 2026 spans youth pathways, coach education, equipment provision, regional cooperation and tailored development planning. Allocation is guided by the ITTF Sports Development Agenda 2025–2028, with support available in seven languages.
President Sörling reinforced the programme’s purpose:
“The Participation Programme… is the core purpose of sharing the benefits of our global growth with Member Associations… Together, we can strengthen every region and ensure that talent from all corners of the world can reach the global stage.”
“The Participation Programme… is the core purpose of sharing the benefits of our global growth with Member Associations… Together, we can strengthen every region and ensure that talent from all corners of the world can reach the global stage.”
Paul Calle, ITTF Executive Vice President Development, added:
“Development is not only about increasing participation numbers; it is about building capacity… Empowered and well-prepared Member Associations are the foundation of a thriving global table tennis community.”
“Development is not only about increasing participation numbers; it is about building capacity… Empowered and well-prepared Member Associations are the foundation of a thriving global table tennis community.”
As table tennis approaches landmark moments, from Dakar 2026 to the London centenary celebrations, the ITTF is positioning itself as both custodian and catalyst. By integrating sustainability, governance reform and grassroots growth, the federation is signalling that the future of sport will be measured not only in medals, but in measurable impact.
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