Amidst a gathering of member associations, the ITTF Governance Session unfolded on 23 February at BEXCO, Busan. Led by Secretary General Raul Calin, along with ITTF Executive Vice President Wahid Oshodi, ITTF Head of Integrity Kevin Carpenter, and ITTF Director of Operations Dylan Mah as presenters, the session covered critical aspects of governance, drawing from ASOIF’s guidelines and evolving standards. 

The session served as a platform to delve deeper into ITTF’s governance concepts, providing valuable insights into its inner workings. Mr. Oshodi opened the session by underscoring the significance of the significance of elevating communication and updates with member associations, while also emphasizing the critical need for stricter monitoring and enforcement of regulations to uphold compliance with ITTF Statutes. Furthermore, the discussion delved into a comprehensive review of integrity-related regulations spearheaded by the ITTF Integrity Unit, reinforcing the importance of ethical vigilance within the organization. 

The session also outlined some of the outstanding areas of ITTF, where some instances of ITTF’s practices were cited as examples of good governance, following ASOIF’s 4th Review of International Federation Governance. Notable achievements included the publication of statutes, disclosure of elected officials’ details, audited accounts, implementation of the Anti-Doping Code, integrity investigations, and proactive monitoring of development funding and redistributive activities, positioning the ITTF as a benchmark for good governance. 

Looking ahead to the 2023-24 period, the ITTF Governance Session unveiled new focal points for ASOIF’s 5th Review, encompassing fundamental principles of good governance, accounting and audit standards, anti-corruption policies, and gender equality monitoring. The integration of athlete’s rights, environmental impact assessment, and human rights considerations further underscored ITTF’s commitment to holistic governance. 

The ITTF Governance Session facilitated meaningful dialogue, aiming to advance transparency and accountability within the global table tennis community. By embracing evolving standards and best practices, ITTF seeks to reinforce its position as a leader in governance and stewardship in the sporting realm.