Present alongside Raul Calin (ITTF Secretary-General), was Andreas Georgiou (Secretary-General Cyprus Olympic Committee), Emmanuel Kolibadis (Secretary-General, Hellenic Olympic Committee), Olabanji Oladapo (Secretary-General Nigeria Olympic Committee), Jean-Michel Saive (President Belgium Olympic Committee) and Alexander Zamora (President Costa Rica Olympic Committee),

Also, Hao Thyn Voon Ha Shun (President of the Mauritius Olympic Committee) attended in remote fashion.

“Thanks to have a photo with all the representatives from our sports in Crete , it was nice to meet members of the table tennis family at the General Assembly.” Jean-Michel Saive

Moreover, the attendance in such numbers underlined the status table tennis enjoys in the world of sport.

“Our table tennis family is growing in the Olympic movement, which means that each time our beloved sport is gaining space at all levels.” Alexander Zamora

Association of National Olympic Committees

ANOC comprises the present day 206 National Olympic Committees (NOC) recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

Each year the General Assembly is staged; this year it was a meeting with a difference; organised locally by the Hellenic Government and Hellenic Olympic Committee, representatives from a total of 148 National Olympic Committees were physically present, no less than 57 were connected virtually.

Emmanuel Kolibadis, as always, delighted to play host.

“I was very happy when I met so many friends from our sport representing their National Olympic Committees as Presidents or in the role of Secretary-General.” Emmanuel Kolibadis

Emissions

Notably, Thomas Bach, NOC President and Dr. Robin Mitchell, acting ANOC Acting President addressed the meeting, each highlighting the major activities in the past two years and thanking all concerned for making the gathering possible.

During the proceedings commitment to the non-politicization of sport was stressed as was that of the atmoshere.

All supported the IOC commitment to reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030; NOCs agreeing to involve the United Nations Sports for Climate Action campaign.

Very much it was a family in unision.

“It was great to be with the table tennis family in Greece.” Olabanji Oladapo

Reports

Additionally, the proposal regarding the FIFA World Cup to held on a biennial basis was discussed, as was the future of the ANOC Beach Games. Likewise, on the agenda was the promotion of social media activities within an NOC plus their role in the Olympic movement.

Financial statements, commission reports, budgetary proposals were presented, a concluding report from the Tokyo Olympic Organising Committee was received; the efforts of delivering the Games in difficult circumstances gaining high praise.

A united front, with table tennis an important stakeholder, was in evidence.

“We showed that table tennis is everywhere and as we sail we have three Presidents and three Secretaries-General in ANOC and the Olympic family. Let’s work for more table tennis in the Olympic family.” Andreas Georgiou

Future

Additionally reports regarding, Olympic Sollidarity, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games and Paris 2024 Olympic Games were presented.

Extensive discussions, exchanging ideas and simply learning; the meeting proved one of great value.

“With the remote attendance of Mr Hao Thyn Voon Ha Shun, President of the Mauritius Olympic Committee, and the physical presence of Messrs Zamora, Saive, Oladapo, Kolibadis and Georgiou, the table tennis family was very well represented. It was an honour to be able to represent the ITTF and to be able to exchange impressions with National Olympic Committee and International Federation representatives from around the world.” Raul Calin

The XXVIA NOC General Assembly is planned to be staged in Seoul from Monday 17th to Friday 21st October 2022.