Always with that bright, welcoming smile that has charmed the table tennis world for decades, Jane Pinto reaches an extraordinary milestone today as she celebrates her 90th birthday.
The milestone marks nine decades of a life devoted to promoting table tennis globally, from the grassroots level in Kenya to the highest echelons of international sport. Her influence spans continents, having played a key role in shaping the sport’s development in Africa and beyond through tireless dedication and visionary leadership.
A Legacy Built on Service
Born in Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria, Jane Pinto’s distinguished service to table tennis began as a player. In the early 1970s, she won the women’s singles title at both the Kenya National Championships and the East African Championships, often enduring arduous five-hour bus journeys that underlined her determination to succeed. Her reward came in 1973 when she made her ITTF World Championships debut in Sarajevo.
Jane also had the honour of meeting China’s Premier Zhou Enlai in 1971 during the historic Ping Pong Diplomacy era. In 1980, she turned her attentions to officialdom, beginning a remarkable four-decade journey in administration. As President of the Kenya Table Tennis Association from 2002 to 2014, having served as Deputy President for eight years prior, she transformed the sport’s landscape in her homeland. Her leadership was characterised by unwavering support for national team members whilst maintaining special focus on providing opportunities for underprivileged players.
Jane’s influence extended far beyond Kenya’s borders. Her relationship with ITTF dates back to the 1980s under President Roy Evans, when she was named a corresponding member of the Media Committee.
She later became a full member and served on the ITTF Board of Directors, and from 2007 onwards served as a valued member of the ITTF President’s Advisory Council. Today, she holds the distinguished position of Personal Honorary Member of the ITTF. At the 1997 World Championships in Manchester, Jane received the prestigious ITTF Merit Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport’s development globally.
Her commitment to African table tennis has been equally profound. Jane served as a member of the African Table Tennis Federation Board of Directors from 1980 to 1988, then as Deputy President from 1996 to 2008, before being elevated to Honorary President – a position she holds to this day.
Jane’s groundbreaking work didn’t go unnoticed by the broader sporting community. In 2010, she received an Achievement Diploma Award for Women in Sports by the International Olympic Committee in recognition of her outstanding contribution to promoting the female cause in sport. Her leadership helped pave the way for countless women in table tennis administration and competition.
Beyond the Table
Away from table tennis, Jane and her husband Felix built Micato Safaris into a world-renowned travel company. Based just outside Nairobi, the business has earned acclaim as one of Africa’s premier safari operators. Micato Safaris has garnered numerous international awards for excellence, but perhaps more importantly for Jane, it has provided a platform for philanthropy and community development across East Africa.
“Jane Pinto represents everything that is beautiful about our table tennis family,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling. “Her nine decades of life have been marked by an unwavering commitment to our sport and to lifting others up. From her early days as a champion player to her transformative leadership across multiple continents, Jane has embodied the values that make table tennis special. On behalf of the entire ITTF community, I wish her the happiest of birthdays and thank her for a lifetime of extraordinary service.”
Whether mentoring young players, developing strategic plans for continental growth, or simply sharing her infectious enthusiasm for table tennis, Jane’s impact has been immeasurable.
Her ability to balance fierce competitive drive with compassionate leadership has made her a beloved figure across the global table tennis community. At 90, she remains an inspiration to administrators, players, and fans worldwide.
Happy 90th birthday, Jane – a true table tennis legend whose legacy will inspire generations to come.