The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has firmly defended the integrity of its presidential election after a closely contested vote and disruptions at its Annual General Meeting in Doha. Petra Sorling of Sweden secured re-election with 104 votes against challenger Khalil Al-Mohannadi's 102, marking one of the narrowest margins in the organization's history.
In a Thursday statement, the ITTF emphasized the election adhered strictly to its constitution and respected member associations' rights, dismissing unspecified allegations of irregularities. The vote followed a turbulent session where participants questioned roll-call procedures and unidentified outsiders temporarily halted proceedings.
The federation announced plans to investigate the disruption and implement safeguards against future incidents. This development comes as global sports organizations face increasing scrutiny over governance transparency, particularly in Olympic-recognized federations managing international competitions.
Table tennis continues to grow in global popularity, with Asia accounting for 70% of ITTF's 226 member associations. The outcome holds significance for athletes, sponsors, and national committees preparing for upcoming events including the 2024 Paris Olympics.
