In light of the recent attacks in Turkey, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) wishes to convey its condolences to the victims, and all the people living in Turkey.

Due to the present circumstances in Turkey, the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has come to a conclusion to reschedule the ITTF-European Olympic Qualification Tournament that that was originally scheduled to be held in Istanbul, Turkey from 6 – 10 April 2016.

ETTU President, Mr. Ronald KRAMER stated “It is with great reluctance that the ETTU Executive Board – in full cooperation with the ITTF – had to take this action. But under the current circumstances in Istanbul, many of the European member associations, players, coaches and others have informed us of their great concern in this period of time to travel to Istanbul. ETTU understands these concerns and also holds the opinion that from a human point of view it may even be unfair to ask our Turkish colleagues to continue preparing the event.”

The new location for the tournament has since been confirmed to be in Halmstad, Sweden, to be staged from 12 – 16 April 2016.

Mr. KRAMER stated in a letter addressed to the ETTU member associations that “The Swedish Table Tennis Association has done a great job in these difficult times and will do their utmost – with assistance of our Danish colleagues – to stage this important event to the best of our abilities. Our thanks must also go to the city of Halmstad, which has shown great support under big pressure.”

He added “We sincerely feel sorry and want to thank our Turkish colleagues for all the work they have done under very difficult circumstance.”