Federal final of the mini championships: table tennis dream in Oberboihingen!

Federal final of the mini championships: table tennis dream in Oberboihingen!

The national final of the mini championships will take place in Oberboihingen from June 20th to 22nd. This passionately anticipated event is hosted by the Gymnastics and Sports Club (TSV) Oberboihingen and attracts 36 talented children, 18 girls and 18 boys, all no older than ten years. In this final tournament, which is described as the heart of the annual table tennis series, all participants are celebrated as winners, regardless of the tournament results.

The mini championships have been a fixture in the German sports system since they were first held in 1984. Since then, almost 1.5 million children have taken part in more than 60,000 local competitions. The aim of the event is to give children under 12 the opportunity to experience table tennis without already taking part in the official league competition of the German Table Tennis Association (DTTB). This approach promotes popular sports and offers the little ones a platform for sporting development. This project is supported by partners such as ARAG and DONIC, among others, who support the event with materials and financial help.

An extensive program

The TSV Oberboihingen organizational team has already proven to be very successful with its preparations. Games will take place on Saturday, June 21st from 1:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, June 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition to the sporting competition, the young athletes can expect an exciting supporting program. This includes a get-to-know-you evening, a training session with DTTB trainer Dirk Wagner and a professional show fight where the audience will be seated.

A highlight of the event are the national table tennis greats who are expected, including Yuan Wan and Chantal Manz. For many children, taking part in the national final is a small dream that they can fulfill through the mini championships.

History and successes

The mini championships have a remarkable history with many participants from all over Germany. Since Manfred Kucht's conception, the championships have become one of the most successful events in German popular sports. The last 2022 edition took place in Saarbrücken and celebrated the 40th anniversary of the mini championships.

In addition, numerous talents have emerged from the ranks of the mini championships over the years. Successful examples include Koharu Itagaki and Eva Xintian Gao, both of whom have their roots in this event. The youngest national winner in 2023, Sarah Sophia Reichardt from Berlin, is another example of the successful young talent that is supported by this series.

The anticipation for the upcoming national final in Oberboihingen is great, both among the children and those responsible. With the large number of active participants and the supportive environment, the mini championship continues to have its place as an important event in the German sports landscape. Further information about the event can be found on the official Table Tennis Society website: tischtennis.de and on to the story Wikipedia.