"Table tennis is a combination of speed, precision and intelligence"

From April 27 to May 3, the Russian Table Tennis Championship is taking place in Moscow at the Druzhba Sports Complex, the main start of the season and the first tournament where a mixed team format corresponding to the future Olympic program will be tested. In an interview with Izvestia, Alexander Babakov, President of the Russian Table Tennis Federation (FNTR), Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, spoke about the growing competition within the country, the prospects of Russians in the international arena and the chances of the return of the Russian flag and anthem at international tournaments.

— How satisfied are you with the composition and level of participants in the Russian championship?

— The composition of the participants can be assessed as competitive. The tournament features both experienced players who form the basis of national teams, as well as promising athletes who are already demonstrating their willingness to compete for high positions.

— What are the expectations from the athletes this year?

— The Federation expects athletes to have a high level of play, professional discipline and psychological stability. In highly competitive conditions, not only physical fitness is important, but also the ability to make decisions. This is what largely determines the final result today.

— Which championship match is of the most interest to you?

— The confrontation between Vladimir Sidorenko and Maxim Grebnev in the men's singles is of particular interest among fans. It is also an intriguing question whether Elizabeth Abrahamyan will be able to defend the title of champion of Russia for the fifth time in a row.

— How do you assess the current overall level of competition within Russian table tennis?

— The level of competition has increased significantly. We have a team of professionals capable of fighting for victories in both the domestic and international arenas. Our athletes have repeatedly proved this. This is the result of systematic work: the development of youth sports, the strengthening of the coaching staff and the modernization of infrastructure.

— How will the upcoming Russian Table Tennis Championship differ from the previous ones?

— The key difference is the introduction of a mixed command rank. This is a step towards synchronizing with the international agenda and the Olympic program, as well as a tool to increase interest in competitions.

— Does the mixed team event make the competition more interesting for athletes and coaches?

— It should be understood that this is a completely new format for our coaches and athletes. This fact makes the competition more dynamic and strategically intense. It requires athletes and coaches to be flexible, team-based, and adapt quickly to conditions.

— How has the level of development of table tennis in Russia changed over the past 10 years?

— There have been systemic changes during this period. The competition structure has been strengthened, the infrastructure and accessibility of sports have been improved, and the number of participants in the mass segment has been increased.

— When was the last time you picked up a racket yourself? Who were you playing with?

— The last time was at the opening of the Table Tennis Center in Khimki. Such events are important not only from an organizational point of view, but also as an opportunity to personally get involved in the process.

— If you were buying a ticket yourself as a spectator, whose pair would you definitely not miss?

— It's difficult to choose one person here. I would definitely buy a ticket to the finals of the team tournament, where the winners of the mixed team competitions are determined. It is all the more difficult to predict anything because of the unpredictability of the new discharge.

— How is the table tennis infrastructure developing in the regions today?

— Infrastructure development remains one of the key priorities. Projects are being implemented to create specialized centers, and existing sites are being upgraded. The main task is to ensure accessibility and high—quality conditions for training and competitions at the regional level.

— What do you see as the potential for the development of table tennis in Russia?

— It remains high both in the professional and in the mass segment. The growing number of participants, the expansion of the geography of competitions and the development of infrastructure form a stable basis for further progress.

— In your opinion, is there a growing interest in table tennis among amateurs?

— Absolutely. We see how more and more people are starting to get involved in table tennis, and we, in turn, are doing everything to make our sport accessible.

— What qualities are especially important today for Russian athletes to compete successfully at the international level?

— Patience, perseverance and psychological stability — all these qualities play a key role today. It is also important to constantly improve your skills and gaming experience with athletes of different levels and styles of play.

— What are the main expenses of the federation related to?

— The main expenses are related to the preparation and participation of national teams, the holding of national competitions, the development of regional infrastructure, as well as support for mass and youth sports.

— Last year, the system of allocation of additional funds in sports changed. Has this affected the federation you lead?

— Yes, the introduction of the new system has made the processes more transparent and efficient. Now more funds are being allocated for the development of youth programs, training of trainers and the development of regional centers.

— How is the international practice among Russian players developing? How often do you manage to participate in tournaments?

— Our athletes actively participate in international competitions, successfully compete at world tournaments and bring medals. For example, in 2026, Elizabeth Abrahamyan won singles and, together with Maria Panfilova, won gold in doubles at the WTT Contender tournament in Tunis. Nikita Artemenko also won the final of the WTT Feeder Cappadocia in Turkey. These results were significant in terms of the competitiveness of Russian athletes at the international level.

— How realistic is the prospect of returning full-fledged participation under the national flag?

— I am sure that with systematic work, this prospect is quite achievable. The right balance between sports, politics and international diplomacy is important.

— Is there a feeling that the dialogue in the international sports environment is gradually expanding?

— Yes, we see an interest in cooperation, the exchange of experience and the development of Russia as a sports country. These are positive trends that we continue to work on. For example, Russian table tennis players were warmly welcomed at the training camp in the DPRK, creating all the necessary conditions for them, and before that our athletes were at training camps in China.

— The president of the FNTR will be re-elected in 2028. What will determine your decision to run again?

— My decision will depend on the overall development of Russian table tennis, the assessment of my effectiveness and the trust of athletes and the professional community. The main thing is the desire to continue working for the benefit of sports, to work for the development of a new generation.

— What do you see as the main advantage of table tennis as a sport?

"It's a combination of speed, precision, and intelligence. At the same time, it remains an accessible and versatile sport, which ensures its sustainable development.