ITTF on Tiktok
One of the biggest recent developments surrounding ITTF’s social scene is the arrival of our official Tiktok page. Updated on a daily basis, we’ve been keeping the party spirit going through lockdown with entertaining, short-form videos. If you are looking to add more fun into your daily routine then the ITTF’s Tiktok page is the place for you!
Follow us on Tiktok: @ittfworld1926
Meet the Super Swedes
In May, the ITTF aired a special exclusive interview with three legends of the sport: Mikael Appelgren, Jan-Ove Waldner and Jörgen Persson. Discussing a range of topics, including how they overcame the might of China, their sporting role models and which of the three is the best golfer, ‘Meet the Super Swedes’ is a must watch for all table tennis fans!
Continental Focus Weeks
Celebrating the true global appeal of our wonderful sport, the ITTF has been running special continental focus weeks, with streamlined content tailored towards each specific continent. Europe, Pan America, Africa and Oceania have featured so far, with throwback match replays, in-depth features and more taking over our social platforms and ITTF.com. Here are just a few of the key content pieces from each continent:
Europe – Best Shots of Dimitrij Ovtcharov
Pan America – Hugo Calderano “Outside The Venue”
Africa – Meet Hana Goda
Oceania – “Smash Down Barriers”
#AskSteve and #AskThomas
Two prominent figures within the ITTF family, CEO Steve Dainton and President Thomas Weikert, joined the voice of table tennis himself, Adam Bobrow, for two exclusive video interviews during lockdown.
#AskSteve sees Steve Dainton update fans on how table tennis has been tackling the COVID-19 crisis, the latest on World Table Tennis, the future of the World Championships and how the sport can grow to reach new heights in the coming years. It is also an opportunity to get to know Steve the man, such as his childhood beginnings in the sport and his decision to learn Chinese.
Then in #AskThomas, Thomas Weikert discussed a number of important topics including the ITTF’s stance against racism and all forms of discrimination, the ITTF’s role to uphold good governance values and how the table tennis community is standing together in these challenging times through the #TableTennisUnited campaign. Thomas also explains how his passion for table tennis outgrew his interest in football, Germany’s major sport, and how his career developed in the governance of the game.
Ask A Pro Anything at Home
The fan-favourite player Q&A series ‘Ask A Pro Anything’ has taken on a slight twist since the start of the home quarantine, with players joining host Adam Bobrow from the comfort of their own home. ‘Ask A Pro Anything at Home’ captures the same energy as the original series whilst also taking things to the next level, boasting longer run times and the all-new challenging quiz.
Instagram Live Takeovers
Another key series introduced in recent months, ITTF’s Instagram Live Takeovers have proven incredibly popular with the fans. Two table tennis stars meet virtually for a fun catch-up, talk past memories and engage in head-to-head competition with Truth or False questions.
Learn more about your favourite players: watch the full playlist here.
#ITTFSmashBack
Live action may have been temporarily halted, but that doesn’t mean the table tennis magic has to stop – step forward #ITTFSmashBack!
Full match replays, breathtaking highlight reels and show-stopping points, #ITTFSmashBack has provided table tennis enthusiasts with an opportunity to relive iconic moments from yesteryear. Featuring heavily during the continental focus weeks, #ITTFSmashBack has also brought back great memories from the ITTF World Tour with a special look back at the Japan, China, Hong Kong, Korea and Australian Opens.
Players and fans stay connected
It’s not just the ITTF that has been socially busy during lockdown with the players and fans also keeping the table tennis conversation going online.
The introduction of the Player Watch series on ITTF.com has brought about the very best social media posts from the athletes themselves. Here’s a quick taste of what some of the stars have been getting up to over the past few months:
View this post on Instagram
#quarantinelife #quarantinetabletennis 🏓#maradjotthon #stayhome #trynewthings
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Mum and dad finally found their purpose in life 😅 – – Morning Multiball sesh with da fam 🥵🥵🥵
Fans have also been playing their part, embracing their creative side by sending through their submissions for Photoshop Friday:
👏🤩🤣 AMAZING work from our fans in our first ever #PhotoshopFriday Challenge feat. @TimoBoll‼️
Now time to VOTE FOR A WINNER 👇
— ITTF World (@ittfworld) May 22, 2020
You guys just keep cracking us up!! 🤣🤣
Tomokazu Harimoto is still all over our feed from the #PhotoshopFriday Challenge‼️
📸 credits to all contributors ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BgGG5oaysJ
— ITTF World (@ittfworld) June 13, 2020
Make sure to stay tuned across the ITTF’s social media channels for all the latest table tennis thrills and spills. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube.