An Interview with Sally Lockyer, CEO of Table Tennis England

By May Zhao

As table tennis marks the centenary of its world championships, the 2026 edition returns to London—the birthplace of the sport—transforming the event into more than just a global competition, but a symbolic bridge between history and the future.

At the heart of this milestone event is Sally Lockyer, Chief Executive Officer of Table Tennis England. From large-scale event delivery and global broadcasting to grassroots legacy and international cooperation, she offers insight into how the sport is evolving on and off the table.

From Planning to Delivery: A 14-Month Operation

May Zhao: The preparation took around 14 months, starting in January 2025. Now that the event is underway, how does it feel to walk into the venue?

Sally Lockyer:

When you walk into the venue and see the players, the crowds, the fan zones and all the activations, you feel an overwhelming sense of pride in what the team has delivered.

This is a huge operation. We’re not only running matches at the Copper Box Arena, but also preparing for Wembley, managing a total of four venues. Given the scale of the event, that’s a significant challenge.

Hosting the Centenary World Championships, 100 years after it all began, adds both meaning and pressure. But ultimately, we are incredibly proud. After months of planning, we are now fully in operational mode, focusing on delivering every detail.

A Global Stage: 1.3 Billion Reach

May Zhao: What is the scale of media presence and global exposure for this event?

Sally Lockyer:

We have around 400 media representatives on site.

The global reach is extraordinary—approximately 1.3 billion audience reach across 200 countries and territories.

It’s quite surreal to sit in the Copper Box Arena and realise that matches happening here are being streamed live all around the world. And as we move into Wembley, that exposure will only grow further.

Innovation: Technology, Sustainability, Legacy

May Zhao: What are the key highlights or innovations of this edition?

Sally Lockyer:

When we bid for the event in 2018, it was part of a 10-year strategy to establish England as a home of world-class events.

There are three major areas of innovation:

Technology and Broadcasting

The infrastructure behind the event—from cabling to streaming systems and production—is extensive, enabling truly global reach.

Sustainability

This has been a major focus. We’ve reduced single-use plastics through refillable bottles and, for the first time, we are measuring the event’s carbon footprint. This will help set a benchmark for future international events.

Legacy Programme

We are investing in grassroots development—placing tables in communities and working with partners to make the sport more accessible. The aim is long-term growth beyond the Championships.

Sport Meets Entertainment

May Zhao: How would you evaluate the presentation of this event?

Sally Lockyer:

At the Copper Box Arena, with 12 tables in operation, the setup is more functional.

But Wembley will offer a very different experience—larger staging, enhanced lighting and music, and a more immersive atmosphere.

Modern sport is no longer just competition; it is entertainment. We want fans to feel excited, engaged and part of the experience.

Beyond the Event: Building a Table Tennis Hub

May Zhao: What long-term impact will hosting the Championships have?

Sally Lockyer:

We are focused on three key outcomes:

• Growing the fan base

• Increasing media exposure

• Driving participation

We also aim to position London as a global hub for table tennis, potentially hosting a future “London Smash” event.

At the same time, cultural influences—such as the film Marty Supreme—are bringing younger audiences into the sport.

Closing the Gap with Global Powers

May Zhao: How is England improving its competitiveness against countries like China and Japan?

Sally Lockyer:

Our players are highly motivated, and our role is to provide the right performance environment.

That includes a high-performance centre in Sheffield, as well as strong support systems in coaching, nutrition and sports science, backed by UK Sport funding.

We’re seeing improvements in rankings, and we’re already looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, particularly with new medal opportunities.

A Shifting Global Landscape

May Zhao: How do you view the current global landscape of table tennis?

Sally Lockyer:

We are seeing new nations emerging, such as France and Brazil, which is very positive for the sport.

With the growth of the professional tour and more global events, table tennis is entering a new phase of international expansion. At this 100-year milestone, it feels like the sport is on the cusp of significant global growth.

The Challenge: Balancing Growth and Investment

May Zhao: What are the biggest challenges facing the sport?

Sally Lockyer:

The key challenge is balancing investment with the pace of growth. Rapid expansion requires strong financial support and long-term strategy.

However, with more Olympic events and a growing international calendar, the opportunities for the sport are greater than ever.

 “Ping Pong Diplomacy” in Action

May Zhao: You recently visited China and Japan. What did you gain from that experience?

Sally Lockyer:

It was a privilege to be part of the UK Prime Minister’s trade delegation.

We hosted table tennis activities at the British Embassy in Beijing, signed an agreement with China Media Group, and strengthened international partnerships.

It was a powerful example of “ping pong diplomacy” in action.

Learning from China

May Zhao: What stood out about table tennis in China?

Sally Lockyer:

The scale is remarkable. Table tennis in China is like football in England—everyone plays.

We are keen to learn from their systems, both in elite performance and grassroots participation. While we cannot replicate the scale, there are valuable lessons we can adopt.

Future Strategy

May Zhao: What are your future plans for table tennis in England?

Sally Lockyer:

We are focusing on several key initiatives:

• The PING programme, placing tables in public spaces

• Expanding community hubs

• Growing school programmes

• Increasing media visibility

The World Championships has accelerated all of these efforts.

Social Impact

Sally Lockyer:

We are also working with organisations such as Parkinson’s UK, mental health charities and local councils.

Table tennis has proven benefits for both physical and mental health, and we want to expand that impact.

A Simple Dream

May Zhao: In one sentence, what is your vision?

Sally Lockyer:

I want people to watch the World Championships, feel inspired by the incredible skill and entertainment, pick up a racket, start playing, and fall in love with the sport.

Conclusion

The return of the World Table Tennis Championships to London marks not only a historic milestone, but also a turning point for the sport’s global future.

From a worldwide audience of over a billion to grassroots tables placed in local communities, table tennis is reconnecting with its origins while expanding its global reach.

As Sally Lockyer puts it, true success is not just about delivering a world-class event—it is about inspiring more people to step up to the table and make the sport their own.