Class of 2026 Inductees & Lifetime Achievement Award
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by U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame
The U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame proudly announces the Class of 2026:
- Mark Hazinski
- Juan Liu
- Noga Nir-Kistler
These three athletes have earned induction through sustained excellence, international achievement, and lasting contributions to the sport in the United States.
An Olympian and one of the most consistent American players of his era, Hazinski built a career defined by discipline and tactical precision. A four-time U.S. National Singles runner-up and multiple-time doubles champion, he also set a record with six Under-21 national titles. He represented the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games and multiple World Championships, and today continues his impact as U.S. National Men’s Team Coach.
Juan Liu ranks among the top U.S. women’s players of the modern era. A 2020 Olympian, she reached the Round of 16 in both singles and team events in Tokyo. A U.S. National Champion and multiple U.S. Open winner, Liu helped raise the level of American women’s table tennis and continues to contribute through coaching and player development.
Noga Nir-Kistler was one of the most accomplished female wheelchair athletes in U.S. table tennis history. A 2008 Paralympian and former World Top 10 player, she earned multiple international medals and helped elevate para table tennis in the United States. Her legacy extends beyond results, inspiring future generations of Paralympic athletes.
Sean P. O’Neill, President of the U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame, shared:
“The Hall of Fame Committee is thrilled to recognize this exceptional class. Mark Hazinski’s journey from Olympic athlete to Olympic coach reflects his continued commitment to excellence and leadership. Juan Liu continues to share her wealth of knowledge through coaching in the New York area, strengthening the next generation of players. We are all saddened that Noga Nir-Kistler is no longer with us, but her spirit shines brightly through today’s Paralympic athletes and staff. This class represents the very best of our sport, both in achievement and in lasting impact.”
The Hall of Fame is proud to recognize Lily Yip as the recipient of the 2026 Mark Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lily Yip’s career represents one of the most complete and influential legacies in U.S. table tennis.
- Two-time Olympian representing the United States
- U.S. National Champion and longtime member of the U.S. National Team
- International medalist and elite competitor
- World Champion at the ITTF World Veteran Championships (Women’s Doubles Over 55)
- Founder of the Lily Yip Table Tennis Center in New Jersey
- Coach and mentor to national team athletes and rising juniors
Yip has built one of the premier training environments in the United States. Her coaching has produced national team players and strengthened the pipeline of talent across all levels of the sport.
Her influence extends across generations, from her own international success to her leadership in player development and community building. This award recognizes a lifetime of excellence, leadership, and service to table tennis.
No contributor nominee received the required two-thirds vote (7 votes) of the Board of Directors this year.
All contributor nominees who received votes will automatically be considered for the 2027 election. This reflects the Hall of Fame’s commitment to maintaining the highest standard for induction.
The Class of 2026 will be formally honored at the U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony as part of the Patty and Si Wasserman Junior and Open Championships in October 2026 in New Jersey. Additional details will be announced soon.
The U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to the sport.
- 173 prior inductees
- 24 Mark Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award recipients
The Hall of Fame preserves the history of table tennis in the United States and recognizes those who have shaped its growth across generations. The United States Table Tennis Hall of Fame (“HOF”) is independent of United States of America Table Tennis (“USATT”). HOF does not represent USATT. HOF and USATT have separate management and separate finances.
