World Table Tennis 4 Health Congress 2026 Call for Speakers

The ITTF Foundation is pleased to announce the call for speakers for the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Congress, taking place on 23–24 October 2026 in Shanghai, China, as an integral part of the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Festival (20–25 October). Researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, practitioners, and sport-for-health experts from around the world are invited to apply to share their knowledge, research, and practical experience at this international gathering.

Jointly organised by the ITTF Foundation, the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), and the Shanghai Sports Federation (SSF), and supported by Ultimate Table Tennis and Swaythling Club International, the Congress will bring together leading voices from the fields of sport, health, and science to explore how table tennis and other sports can improve health, well-being, neurodegenerative diseases, and quality of life.

Who is welcome to apply?

We welcome applications from individuals working in table tennis, health, medicine, rehabilitation, neuroscience, psychology, ageing, and related disciplines. The Congress particularly encourages presentations covering the following themes:

• Table Tennis for Health and Well-being, including:
  1. Table Tennis for Neurodegenerative Conditions
  2. Table Tennis for Healthy Eating and Nutrition
  3. Table Tennis and Physical Activity
  4. Table Tennis and Healthy Ageing
  5. Table Tennis for Mental Health
  6. Table Tennis for Women's Health
• Table Tennis for Neurodegenerative Diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and related conditions.
• Therapeutic use of other sports to promote health and well-being.
• Sports supporting carers of people living with long-term health conditions.

Presentation format

Selected speakers will deliver 10–20-minute on-site presentations that will be streamed to a global audience. Presentations should be delivered in English and will be translated into Chinese.

In addition to presenting at the Congress, speakers will be invited to participate in an exclusive in-person networking session with Chinese sports and health stakeholders, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore future collaborations.

How to apply

If your work aligns with the Congress themes, we encourage you to submit your application to become a speaker.

The application deadline is 6 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

For enquiries, please contact: mlewis@foundation.ittf.com.

Interested in attending the Congress?

If you would like to attend the World Table Tennis for Health Congress but do not wish to apply as a speaker, you can register your interest (click here) to receive updates about the Congress and the WTT4Health Festival.