The Complete Pathway Returns for 2025
The ITTF Hopes Programme’s Commitment
For over 15 years, the ITTF Hopes Programme has stood as a vital talent identification initiative, guiding young table tennis players toward elite performance levels. This year, the ITTF is reaffirming its commitment to fostering the future of the sport by creating opportunities, setting ambitions, and establishing a refreshed identity. As part of this renewed vision, the 2025 season will see the Hopes Programme fully restored as a year-long developmental framework designed to identify and cultivate table tennis talent among children under the age of 12, specifically those born in 2013 or later.
Recently updated with a new visual identity and branding, the programme not only reflects its growth but also retains its core mission. Since its inception in 2009, the Hopes Programme has been integral to the ITTF’s talent development pathway.
Message from ITTF Leadership
“With the Hopes Programme returning to its yearly structure, we’ve reinforced our commitment to providing direct, hands-on support to young players and their member associations across all continents. This pathway equips emerging talent with essential skills while creating opportunities for long-term growth in our sport. By strengthening foundations at the grassroots level through the Hopes Programme, we’re building the future of table tennis one player at a time.” – ITTF President
Grassroots Development and Talent Scouting
At the grassroots level, National Hopes activities lay the groundwork for scouting and developing emerging talents within member associations. These national events act as initial selection grounds where standout performers earn opportunities to progress to their respective Continental Hopes events. The continental stage serves to further refine the talent pool, with only the most promising athletes qualifying for the ultimate experience in youth table tennis development.
The Summit of Youth Table Tennis
This carefully constructed pathway culminates in the World Hopes Week and Challenge, representing the pinnacle of youth table tennis development. It stands as a testament to the success of the Hopes Programme, illustrating the commitment to nurturing youth talent on a global scale.
“The ITTF Hopes Programme has long been a foundational element of a successful and well-established ITTF High-Performance Programme. We understand from our experience that early international recognition can be a defining moment for many young athletes. I sincerely hope that the new one-year cycle engages even more member associations to put proper talent identification educational opportunities in place for their own pool of talents. Our goal is clear – 100 countries signing up for the ITTF Hopes Programme during the ITTF centennial year of 2026.” – Director of Sports Development
Sheffield Chosen for 2025 World Hopes Week & Challenge
As part of this revitalized framework, the world’s brightest young table tennis players will gather in Sheffield for the 2025 ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge. This flagship initiative marks a significant milestone in the development pathway for promising players under 12 years of age, allowing them to train alongside peers from around the globe.
The English Institute of Sport (EIS) Sheffield, home to the GB Performance Programme, will host this global gathering from October 13 to 19, 2025. Up to 20 girls and 20 boys from five continents, along with approximately 40 coaches, will engage in an intensive week of training that culminates in the Challenge event during the final two days.
“We are honoured to have been selected by the ITTF to deliver the 2025 ITTF World Hopes Week. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the best U12 players from across the world to our very own performance base in Sheffield. We aim to utilize this week as a valuable development opportunity to learn more about best practices during the early development stage.” – Head of Pathway Development
A Legacy of Developing Champions
The programme’s impact is evident in the remarkable achievements of its alumni worldwide. For instance, Sweden’s Truls Moregard won silver in men’s singles at the Paris 2024 Olympics, underscoring the programme’s capacity to nurture Olympic-level talent. Similarly, Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz, currently ranked world No. 17, first discovered table tennis as an 8-year-old Hopes participant. Additionally, Egypt’s Hana Goda made history as the youngest Africa Cup champion at just 14 years and 7 months in 2022, while Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi advanced to the quarterfinals at the ITTF World Cup Macao 2025, illustrating her continued development as a Hopes success story.
Personal Reflections from Alumni
Reflecting on her experience with the Hopes Programme, Hana Goda stated: “If it hadn’t been for Hopes, I think my table tennis journey would have been completely different. It wasn’t just about the technical skills – although I learned so much – it was the connections that made it special. The bond we formed with other players has lasted for years. We’re still in touch now, supporting each other through competitions and careers. Hopes didn’t just shape me as a player; it became part of my table tennis identity.”
Nurturing Future Stars
As the Hopes Programme continues to cultivate emerging talents, athletes like Singapore’s Izaac Quek and Romania’s Elena Zaharia have notably excelled at the ITTF World Youth Championships 2023. Both players showcased their potential as they break into the upper echelons of international competition. These success stories illustrate the programme’s effectiveness in identifying and developing promising talents from diverse backgrounds, ultimately creating pathways to international success.
Connecting Heritage and Future
The timing of England hosting the 2025 ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge is particularly significant, as it leads directly into the ITTF’s centenary celebrations. The ITTF World Championships Finals will return to London in 2026, exactly 100 years after the first World Championships were held in the city alongside the ITTF’s inception in 1926.
The selection of Sheffield for the 2025 World Hopes Week creates a compelling narrative that links the sport’s rich history with its promising future. The young talents competing in Sheffield may very well become the champions who define the next century of table tennis.
https://www.ittf.com/2025/05/08/ittf-hopes-programme-returns-to-yearly-cycle-sheffield-selected-to-host-2025-world-hopes-week-challenge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ittf-hopes-programme-returns-to-yearly-cycle-sheffield-selected-to-host-2025-world-hopes-week-challenge
