ETTU President Moura Calls Istanbul 2027 Meeting Positive as New Sports Join European Games

TL;DR: ETTU President Pedro Moura labeled the Istanbul 2027 planning meeting positive, emphasizing cooperation among federations. The 2027 European Games will feature 26 sports, adding rowing beach sprint, weightlifting and squash while restoring gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling.

Moura met with Türkiye Olympic Committee President Prof. Dr. Veli Ozan ÇAKIR, who also serves as ITTF Executive Vice President and director of the 2027 European Games, and Türkiye Table Tennis Association President Kerim KOÇ at the WTT Feeder Istanbul event. The discussion centered on preparations for the upcoming European Games and broader strategies for developing international table tennis. Moura stressed that open dialogue and strong cooperation between institutions are essential for the sport’s future growth.

He described the meeting as very positive and a good chance to exchange ideas about the 2027 European Games and table tennis development. The fourth edition of the European Games will include 26 sports, of which 22 are Olympic sports tied to the Los Angeles 2028 programme. Istanbul 2027 will introduce rowing beach sprint, weightlifting and squash to the programme, and will bring back gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling after their absence from the 2023 Kraków‑Małopolska edition.

The addition of three new sports and the return of three others expands the Games’ appeal and offers more qualification pathways for athletes aiming for LA 2028. For table tennis, retaining its place on the programme maintains visibility and provides athletes with direct quota opportunities through the European Games. Continued collaboration between the ETTU, the Turkish Olympic Committee and the ITTF will be crucial as organizers finalize schedules and athlete quotas.

Watch for the official sport quota allocation announcement later this year and any further updates on venue preparations as the 2027 European Games approach.