Letter from ITTF President Adham Sharara

Dear USATT Members,

Although Table Tennis has traditionally been popular in Asia and Europe, we must remember that our sport is also popular in many other parts of the World. Since joining the ITTF Executive Committee several years ago, I have discovered many places where table tennis is either very popular or gaining in popularity. Unfortunately, I have also discovered other parts of the world where our sport has been relegated to third-class status.

The role of the ITTF is to help develop our sport all over the world. However, this is an unrealistic task if we cannot count on the help and enthusiasm of local associations. The ITTF cannot by itself popularize the sport within each of the 187 member associations. We must focus our attention to those areas where our contribution will have the most effect. We must also respond to initiatives launched by some of our member associations. In other words, our choices are made in the same manner that investors choose their investment portfolio. Which investment will provide the best return? And which partner (association) will be the most cooperative and eager to develop our product?

In my opinion, the USA is the one of the countries that has the potential to transform our sport into a “big league” sport. It is a difficult task but one that, if implemented properly, would provide the best return on investment. The ITTF is willing to invest; but the desire to succeed, the passion to perform and the commitment to engage belongs to USATT, its membership and its leadership. The ITTF can only act as the catalyst for success, but the dynamo must be USATT. When I say USATT I mean every member, every official and every parent. In fact, all those that have chosen table tennis as an activity have also chosen to develop the sport.

•   Do not ask why we do not have enough table tennis on TV. 
Call the TV stations yourself and ask them to put table tennis on TV.

•   Do not ask where the nearest club is. 
Form a club yourself on your own block.

•   Do not ask how much money you will receive for coaching. 
Start coaching and be good at it and the money will come.

•   Do not ask how much prize money will be offered at the next tournament. 
Use whatever connections you have and find a sponsor to put up prize money.

Do not ask. Do! These sentences should be familiar to any American who remembers JFK or who has seen Nike commercials. It is the American spirit.

The ITTF Pro Tour is meant to promote our sport all over the world by highlighting the table tennis elite. The U.S. Open is part of the Pro Tour and the ITTF hopes that it will remain so forever. However, it is up to you, the table tennis enthusiast, to use this event and to popularize our sport. Think about it and find ways to do so. You will succeed.