ITTF's Commitment to Youth and Paralympic Athletes: Scholarships 2025

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) reaffirms its commitment to the development of young talent and Paralympic athletes with the launch of its scholarship program for 2025. This program aims to provide ongoing support and encouragement for athletic development, ensuring that these athletes have the necessary tools to achieve success.

In 2025, the ITTF plans to expand its initiatives to support young athletes and Paralympic athletes, helping them advance their careers through international training and competition. The special focus on the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games highlights the importance of preparing these athletes for large-scale events.

Continental Scholarships for Young People

The ITTF Continental Youth Scholarship program aims to support member associations in training young athletes for international events. The special attention given to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games demonstrates the ITTF's commitment to preparing these athletes for a bright future.

The financial benefits for 2025 have been expanded, with each athlete eligible to receive up to US$2,500. This amount covers official accommodation, 50% of the cost of airfare, and includes two sets of high-quality table tennis rubbers, ensuring that athletes have the resources necessary to compete at a high level.

In 2024, scholarship recipients demonstrated excellent results. Sally Moyland , from the USA, and Steven Moreno , from Puerto Rico, are among the standouts, with remarkable performances in international competitions. Results were equally impressive in other regions:

• Americas: Athletes from the USA, Puerto Rico, and Brazil shone in prominent competitions.
• Africa: Egypt and Algeria celebrated important victories.
• Asia: Iran, Hong Kong, and Japan stood out with significant medal wins.
• Oceania: Athletes from Australia and New Zealand showed their potential.
• Europe: France, Germany, and Italy won several medals.

Scholarships for Paralympic Table Tennis Athletes (PTT)

The Paralympic Table Tennis Athlete Scholarships (PTT) are designed to support promising Paralympic athletes, helping them raise their performance standards and participate in meaningful competitions on the Paralympic World Tour.

The results from 2024 were inspiring, with athletes like Natsuki Wada from Japan, who won gold in Tokyo, and Faith Obazuaye from Nigeria, who secured multiple medals at the 2024 ITTF Value Jet Lagos Para Open. These performances highlight the positive impact of scholarships on athletes' careers.

For 2025, financial support has been increased to up to US$1,500 per athlete. Selection criteria include PTT world ranking and performance in ITTF-sanctioned events in 2024, as well as consideration of the athletes' 2025 activity plan.

Application and Eligibility Process

The eligibility criteria for PTT youth and athlete scholarships are rigorous, considering world ranking, performance in 2024, and training plans for 2025. These guidelines ensure that only the most dedicated and promising athletes are selected.

The application process is conducted online, requiring candidates to contact their respective ITTF member associations for further information. It is crucial that candidates carefully prepare their applications to maximize their chances of success.

For those applying, special attention is recommended to the details of the criteria and the preparation of a well-structured activity plan for 2025.

Impact of Scholarships on Athlete Development

ITTF scholarships have played a key role in developing talent in table tennis, helping to create a solid foundation for the future of the sport. Inspiring stories, such as those of athletes who have transformed their careers thanks to this support, are common.

These scholarships not only provide financial support, but also help develop athletic skills and build confidence, preparing athletes to face international challenges.

Furthermore, the global impact of these initiatives strengthens the presence of table tennis worldwide, promoting the sport and inspiring new talents to dedicate themselves and excel.

The Future of Athlete Support by the ITTF

The ITTF continues to plan future expansions to its support initiatives, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of its scholarships. The focus on new programs and initiatives promises to create more opportunities for young athletes and Paralympic athletes.

These initiatives are expected not only to raise the level of competition, but also to inspire a new generation of table tennis players to follow their dreams and achieve success on the international stage.