Doha: The 17th International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Sports Science Congress on medicine and sports science kicked off Thursday. Hosted by Aspetar in collaboration with the ITTF and the local partner, the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA), the congress brought together a select group of experts, physicians, and researchers from around the world.
According to Qatar News Agency, the opening session was attended by ITTF President Petra Sorling, who emphasized in her speech that the event represents a global platform that combines science and practical application, demonstrating the ITTF's commitment to developing table tennis by supporting scientific research and innovation in sports medicine. She added that the partnership with Aspetar and the QTTA aims to achieve results that contribute to improving the health and performance of athletes worldwide.
For his part, CEO of Aspetar Dr. Abdulaziz Jeham Al Kuwari expressed his pleasure at organizing this prominent scientific event again in Doha after a six-year hiatus. The congress is a unique opportunity that brings together sports medicine and sports science experts to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions that enhance the health and performance of table tennis players. He noted that the close cooperation with the ITTF and the QTTA reflects a shared commitment to supporting scientific research and applying the best medical practices to serve athletes.
For his part, QTTA's Assistant Secretary-General, Ali Sultan Al Muftah, emphasized the importance of the congress coinciding with the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025. Al Muftah pointed out that coinciding with the World Championships provides participants with a unique opportunity to observe the direct application of scientific research findings in practice, while enabling players and coaches to benefit from the latest recommendations for enhancing performance and preventing injuries. The event also strengthens Qatar's position as a global hub for sports and scientific research and reinforces Aspetar's role as a reference center in sports medicine.
The congress sessions included several scientific topics, starting with the study of biomechanics and skill analysis in table tennis. Experts discussed the latest research on movement dynamics, match analysis, and the development of players' technical skills. The congress will also dedicate a session to global health initiatives in table tennis, such as the TT4Health program and the International Federation's projects to promote health through sport. It will also review recent innovations in equipment and e-sports related to table tennis.
Among the key topics covered in the sessions was the study of common injuries in table tennis, with a focus on the prevalence of injuries, body position, hand, wrist, and elbow injuries, as well as neck and back injuries. In-depth sessions were devoted to shoulder syndromes in players, methods of rehabilitation and prevention of these injuries, and a review of sports decision-making processes in rehabilitation.
The congress featured a panel discussion on athlete- and coach-centered health approaches, addressing issues such as injuries, travel, and sleep, and highlighting the importance of shared decision-making between medical and technical teams. The topics of sustainability in sports science, mental health, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, governance and integrity in table tennis, as well as innovation and technology management in equipment and eSports will also be addressed.
Slated to conclude on Friday, the congress has been one of the key global events in the field of sports medicine and sports science since its inception in 1989. Returning after a six-year break, the event reunites a distinguished group of physicians, researchers, coaches, and team managers from diverse fields. The final day's sessions will focus on the challenges athletes face while traveling, such as jet lag, the impact of sleep and nutrition on athletic performance, and a review of medical issues related to travel and their impact on athletes' health. The sessions will also cover physiology, fitness testing, and modern training methods. They will also review concepts of training, education, and youth development, as well as table tennis for people with special needs.
The congress coincides with the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025, scheduled to take place from May 17 to 25. This timing offers participants a valuable opportunity to integrate scientific insights with real-time practice by observing the application of research findings during the tournament. It also supports efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare for athletes and reinforces Qatar and Aspetar's status as leading centers for sports and scientific research.