Dear athletes, officials and friends,

The 2023 World Deaf Table Tennis Championships & World Deaf Youth Table Tennis Championships are beginning in Taipei, Chinese Taipei. I send my warmest greetings to everyone at this wonderful celebration of sport, youth and friendship.

Chinese Taipei is hosting the World Deaf Table Tennis Championships. We are genuinely delighted to welcome to Chinese Taipei the world’s strongest athletes, best coaches, and all members of the international deaf sport community.

We wish all the athletes success. Of course, we will be supporting all Deaf athletes.

I am sure that the 2023 World Deaf Table Tennis Championships & World Deaf Youth Table Tennis Championships will reveal new talents, give us vivid new emotions.

The World Deaf Championship is the main start of the season, crossing the finish line after several months of tough work of the athletes, coaches and others having privy to the sport of table tennis. I am also delighted to report that deaf sports are actively growing.

I want to thank all of the organisers, especially here in Chinese Taipei, and I want to thank the city’s mayor, and Chinese Taipei Deaf Sports Association for their active involvement in the preparations. This was a big, responsible job and the work has been carried out to the highest standards.

You know the ICSD’s slogan: “Equality Through Sport” – meaning that it’s not about being deaf or hearing, it’s about sport and fair competition. 

The World Championships are the second most important sporting event after the Deaflympics, and I believe that you will put all your energy and skills into the competitions. Win or lose, you have gained a lot by participating!

I wish all of the participants the best of luck, bright bouts of competition and success at climbing to the top of sport. And may the spectators experience great mood and positive emotions while witnessing the matches!

Sincerely yours,
Dr Adam KOSA
President
International Committee of Sports for the Deaf