'And' the association president's children participated directly as volunteers... Could there be a Jin Sim-in (Chairman) like this in table tennis? "Because it is a sport where helpers can also participate" [Gangneung World Masters]

*This content was translated by AI.

"I am feeling the power of table tennis again. I believe the greatest meaning of this tournament is seeing people come together across age and nationality, communicating through a single sport."

It seems there was a president who was so sincere about table tennis despite not being a former player. Lee Tae-sung (48), President of the Korea Table Tennis Association, revealed his affection for the sport by having his children participate as volunteers at the XIOM 2026 Gangneung World Masters Table Tennis Championship, where he serves as Gong Dong-jo-jik (Chairman).

For Lee Tae-seong (Chairman), this tournament is the first major international event since he took office as President of the Korea Table Tennis Association in November 2024. Lee (Chairman) stated, "I am truly happy that we can hold such a meaningful event, like the Olympics of sports for the masses or a world championship, in Korea, and specifically in the beautiful city of Gangneung." He added, "As I watch participants of various ages from many countries enjoying table tennis and coming together in harmony, I feel a sense of pride and emotion."

Through this tournament, the leader also reconfirmed the essence of sports for the masses. Lee (Chairman) said, "People who have come from all over the world to Gangneung are gathering around a single sport, table tennis, while staying in their own ways. I feel that it is becoming a focal point that connects people beyond age, country, and culture."

He continued, "As I saw the stadium filled with 100 table tennis tables and dozens of tables continuously in use at the practice hall, I wondered what other sport could create such a scene. There is a festive atmosphere different from elite competitions."

The most emphasized part during the preparation process was creating an environment where participants could enjoy the event comfortably. Lee (Chairman) explained, "This tournament is a festival where participants are the protagonists. We prepared the opening ceremony to be a celebration for the players rather than a formal event."

In terms of operations, the focus was on securing practice environments and stadium conditions. He emphasized, "Having experienced many tournaments, I felt there was a significant shortage of practice tables. Therefore, we paid close attention to securing space and tables so that as many participants as possible could practice comfortably."

He added, "Temperature management in Gangneung during the summer was also an important part. We tried to prepare not only to optimize the stadium environment but also to ensure participants were not inconvenienced in small details such as water, food, and transportation."

He also attached significance to the fact that this tournament is a good example of utilizing sports infrastructure left behind after the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. The stadium that created a festive atmosphere in the Republic of Korea has come alive with table tennis after eight years. Lee (Chairman) conveyed, "How to utilize the excellent facilities created after the Olympics has always been an important challenge."

He then added, "Through this tournament, table tennis players from all over the world are visiting Gangneung and creating a new sports festival in spaces that were venues for the Olympics. This will provide opportunities for many people to visit, stay, and enjoy the city of Gangneung. I believe such international sports events can be another way to carry on the Olympic legacy."

Ahead of this tournament, the Korea Table Tennis Association's selection of a sports for the masses national team and support for their camp training were also meaningful attempts. Lee (Chairman) explained, "The World Masters is a special stage where both former players and club members compete by age group. We wanted participants to compete with the pride of being sports for the masses national representatives." He continued, "Seeing the players who went through selection trials, underwent camp training, and competed wearing the Taegeuk mark play seriously just like in actual international tournaments was truly wonderful. They are people who truly deserve the title of sports for the masses national representatives," he smiled.

He viewed this tournament as an opportunity to reflect on the current state of Korean sports for the masses table tennis and consider the direction for the future. Lee (Chairman) said, "Korean sports for the masses table tennis has cultures and methods that have been passed down for a long time, such as 'busu' or 'handi.' While there may be various opinions during the process of change, watching this World Masters made me think that competing by age group and everyone enjoying together is also one of the important directions that sports for the masses should aim for."

He continued, "I believe the greatest value of sports for the masses is enjoying the sport itself and meeting people within it. While competition is important, the relationships and experiences created during the process remain for a long time." He also revealed the traces of his deep consideration, stating, "The Korea Table Tennis Association is also continuously considering what role it should play and how it should support, while listening to the voices from the sports for the masses table tennis field."

Lee (Chairman) is also a sports for the masses table tennis player who enjoys table tennis in his daily life. He is well known for enjoying table tennis whenever he can with his wife Chae Moon-sun, CEO of Talidacum (former Vice President of the Korea Table Tennis Association). At this tournament, his children also participated as volunteers, spending time with table tennis players from around the world. Lee (Chairman) said, "The opportunity to volunteer at such a large tournament itself is a great experience for the children. Even if they do not fully understand the meaning now, it will remain as good memories and lessons as time passes. Also, within the sport of table tennis, not only those who play directly but also those who cheer and help can all participate together. Such a scene is a special value that this tournament shows."

He also expressed his thoughts on the future of Korean table tennis as President of the Korea Table Tennis Association. Lee (Chairman) said, "For elite table tennis, system improvement is important. In the reality where the player base is shrinking, we must create a structure where young players can grow systematically, compete, and develop." He emphasized that one of the important roles of the association is to record and continue the history of Korean table tennis. "Records must be accumulated in order to create the future."

He also stated that it is necessary to establish the association's role regarding sports for the masses. He said, "It is necessary to clearly distinguish between what the association should do and what it should support. Rather than managing everything directly, we are considering a direction where we take responsibility for necessary parts and help the field operate smoothly."

It has been about a year and a half since he took office as President of the Korea Table Tennis Association. It is said that his mindset has changed somewhat from the beginning. Lee (Chairman) said, "There were parts that started due to the encouragement of others at first. But now I feel the weight of responsibility that this position carries more heavily. With authority comes responsibility." He smiled, adding, "I have a sense of mission to play a role that actually helps the development of Korean table tennis, going beyond simply enjoying and sponsoring table tennis. I am already deeply immersed in table tennis and the table tennis community."

Finally, Lee (Chairman) conveyed to the participants who visited Gangneung, "I hope you enjoy yourselves to your heart's content and create good memories during the remaining schedule. If there are any inconveniences or areas for improvement, please let us know anytime. We will do our best until the end to make this a memorable tournament for all participants."

The XIOM 2026 Gangneung World Masters Table Tennis Championship, which opened on the 5th, is the world's largest Masters festival exchanging table tennis across generations and borders. It is being held at the Gangneung Oval (Speed Skating Arena) and Gangneung Arena with the participation of over 3,000 table tennis players from 85 countries around the world. It continues until the 12th.

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*This content was translated by AI.