This Monday, the news of table tennis took a decisive turning point with the first meeting of the committee of theUTTPl’United Table Tennis Players Associationa new association dedicated to promoting the interests of players worldwide. Recently created, the UTTP undertakes to bring the voice of athletes and to claim significant changes on the circuit, of the increase in prize money to a revision of the competition calendar. With influential members of the international circuit, the UTTP is determined to move the lines of the ping-pong world.
This Monday, UTTP, or United Table Tennis Players Associationheld his first meeting to promote the interests of table tennis players around the world. With the participation of major figures in the circuit, this new association aims to make significant changes in the management of competitions, income and conditions of the players. The members have already identified several urgent issues to be tackled, with the aim of transforming the global table tennis landscape.
A promising first meeting
The first meeting of the UTTP Committee was marked by the announcement of the six international members who compose it. Among them are talents like Hugo Calderanoranked 3rd in the world, and Tweets Back30th in the world. This meeting not only made it possible to unveil the names of the representatives, but also aroused interest due to the criticisms issued by the WTT Regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the creation of the association. Indeed, at the end of this meeting, all the players involved were able to meet and discuss the challenges they face.
Members committed for a common future
In addition to the members of the committee, other high -level players have decided to join the UTTP, among which are Félix et Alexis Lebrun. The latter claim that this association is essential to guarantee a voice to players worldwide. “We are here to improve the future of table tennis and defend our interests,” he explains. The message is clear: the UTTP’s mission is to bring together the players to work together, in order to make their voices heard and advance sport.
A united voice in the face of circuit challenges
The player Jules Rollandranked 98th in the world, also expressed his commitment to the UTTP. It highlights the importance of having effective representativeness to deal with the growing complaints of players concerning the global circuit. “There was no unique voice to represent the athletes,” he says. With the UTTP, the players hope to establish a strong presence and weigh in the decisions that affect their careers and their daily lives.
Ambitious objectives for the association
Currently, the UTTP has 33 members, but aims to reach 200 members by next summer. To achieve this, it is crucial to attract players, especially Asian, whose influence is notable in the world of table tennis. Discussions are underway with some of them, an aspect that Jules Rolland underlines as essential to get things done. “If the best Asians do not get involved in our efforts, we risk staying in a status quo,” he worries.
The first claims of the players
During the meeting, several crucial subjects were discussed, including the increase in prize money and housing management for competitions. The players expressed their dissatisfaction with the high prices of accommodation offered by the WTTwhich can reach exorbitant sums. Jules Rolland shared personal experience by evoking a hotel invoicing $ 210 per night, thus stressing the gap between the prices charged and those on the market. “It is an unacceptable situation that weighs on us,” he says.
Towards an evolution of the calendar of competitions
Another raised crucial point concerns the calendar, deemed too busy. Frequent travel between continents represent a not only logistical but also physical challenge for players. Jules Rolland suggested following the example of tennisby grouping tournaments by continent to lighten the charge on athletes. “This would make the competitions more manageable,” he concludes, indicating that a system reform is necessary for the well-being of all.
This Monday, the United Table Table Tennis Players Association (UTTP) held its first meeting, marking a decisive turning point for table tennis players around the world. Through a committee made up of six renowned experts, this association aims to defend the interests of players and to establish significant changes in the international circuit.
A shock team at the service of players
The UTTP, founded on April 22, is made up of emblematic figures of table tennis. Among the members of the committee, we find Hugo Calderano, currently 3rd in the world, as well as the talented Jonathan Groth and Dimitrij Ovtcharov, respectively 19th and 23rd in the world. Without forgetting Manika Batra and Bruna Takahashi, playing for India and Brazil, as well as Alberto Mino of the Ecuador, all determined to carry the voice of athletes.
Reference players are committed
Players such as Félix and Alexis Lebrun, at the top of the world rankings, have chosen to join the UTTP. Their common motivation? Improve the future of long -term table tennis without any political agenda. “It is an independent association,” they said. Their desire is to create a space where all players around the world can meet to defend their interests.
A need for players’ representation
The players’ complaints have multiplied for some time, pointing to a lack of unified voice to express their concerns. Jules Rolland, a player ranked 98th, expressed the importance of this new association: “We have to come together to face the challenges of the circuit.” With only 33 members currently, the UTTP aspires to reach 200 members by this summer to have a substantial impact.
problems to be solved: Prize money and accommodation
During their first meeting, the UTTP highlighted the crucial problems linked to prize money and the accommodation conditions. Players highlight an insufficient wage increase as well as often excessively expensive accommodation offers. Jules Rolland shared his indignation at the exorbitant prices imposed during competitions. The feeling of being treated without respect becomes more and more palpable.
An ambitious development strategy
In addition to revisiting financial issues, the UTTP aims to reorganize the tournament calendar. The association aspires to be inspired by tennis practices, by bringing together competitions on the same continent to minimize trips. “This would help our organizations a lot,” said a member, stressing the importance of athletes’ well-being.
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