International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President Thomas Weikert’s campaign to retain the leadership of the International Federation was boosted today when he received the key support of ITTF Deputy President Khalil Al-Mohannadi.
Al-Mohannadi, also President of the Qatar Table Tennis Association, publicly endorsed Weikert’s election bid after withdrawing as an ITTF Presidential candidate. He will now run for the position of ITTF Executive Vice President at the ITTF elections to be held on 31 May in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Commenting on Khalil Al-Mohannadi’s declaration of support, ITTF President Thomas Weikert said:
"I am delighted to receive the backing of Mr. Al-Mohannadi. It is wonderful to have his direct support and I am honoured he has chosen to endorse me in the forthcoming ITTF Presidential election.
"For many years now, I have worked closely with Khalil Al-Mohannadi and we have developed a positive working relationship to further strengthen the sport of Table Tennis in every part of the world.
"Mr. Al-Mohannadi is an excellent leader in our sport who is very well respected. I also wish to congratulate him for his success and ongoing valued contribution to developing Table Tennis in Qatar and internationally.
"If I have the privilege of being elected ITTF President, I will continue to work in partnership with all leaders in our sport and harness the excellent expertise to ensure Table Tennis grows and thrives."
In an earlier statement, ITTF Deputy President Khalil Al-Mohannadi said:
"I have decided to support Thomas Weikert’s candidacy for the Presidency.
"Thomas has had two and a half years as President, where he has made positive changes to the sport, and I believe he deserves to be elected as President in his home country and have four more years to continue to work and implement his vision for our sport."
For more information, please contact:
Sujit Jasani
VERO Communications
Email: sjasani@verocom.co.uk
Tel: +44 [0]7940375282
25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics iswww.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only