The Transformation of Saudi Table Tennis: New Identity, World-Class Coach, and Corporate Investment

March 29 marks a turning point in the history of table tennis in Saudi Arabia. In just a few short weeks, the sport has undergone a complete transformation—from a new identity and world-class coaching to major corporate investment. This is the story of how Saudi table tennis entered a new era.

A Bold New Identity

The Saudi Table Tennis Federation unveiled its new "identity," featuring a modern logo aligned with the country's Vision 2030. This rebranding, alongside major initiatives to enhance the experience for every table tennis player, is thanks to his royal highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.

Over the past few years—as you probably know if you've been following my blog—the Table Tennis Federation had been in decline. But thanks to his royal highness Prince Mohammed, we can now look forward to a brighter future.

The Jörgen Persson Signing

Just two days after the rebranding announcement, the Federation revealed the signing of Jörgen Persson, the legendary Swedish table tennis player, as the new coach of the Saudi national team.

This move shows that Saudi Arabia is not only committed to investing in the sport, but also aims to become one of the best in the world.

Historic moment: Jörgen Persson officially signs as head coach of the Saudi national team

Image courtesy of STTF Instagram

Persson is a true icon—he defeated China in the 1990s not once, but twice, leading Sweden to the number one global ranking. He also coached the Swedish team that won a silver medal at the most recent Olympics.

Active Involvement and Results

Images of Jörgen Persson working closely with both the youth and senior national teams are consistently being posted on social media, proving his active involvement and hands-on approach.

This is a major step forward, as Saudi Arabia now boasts a world-class coach preparing its players for international competitions—including the 2026 World Team Championship in London.

The Transformation Continues: Jahez Partnership

But the transformation didn't stop there. In one of the most significant developments for professional table tennis in Saudi Arabia, the league secured major corporate investment.

The Saudi Table Tennis League is now called Jahez's Table Tennis League for Professionals. In one of our first articles, we mentioned that for the league to survive, it needed external funding—and that's exactly what has happened.

Jahez - Official platinum sponsor bringing new investment to Saudi table tennis

Image courtesy of STTF Instagram

Let's be honest: this kind of partnership is exactly what professional table tennis in Saudi Arabia has needed for years. For too long, funding issues have held back the potential of players, clubs, and the league itself.

Now, with Jahez stepping in, there's real reason to believe that change is not just coming—it's already here.

What This Partnership Means

Aligning with Vision 2030

This is also a step forward in the direction of privatizing the economy, one of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. Our league will no longer depend solely on the government—we can now secure funding from private companies.

This reflects a national trend—from football to motorsports—where private partnerships are becoming the norm, not the exception.

A Complete Transformation

In just a few short weeks, Saudi table tennis has undergone a complete transformation. A new identity that reflects Vision 2030. A world-class coach with a proven track record. And major corporate investment that ensures sustainability.

At the moment, little additional information has been disclosed about specific plans or funding amounts. We will release more information as soon as we can. However, one thing is clear: both the sport and the Federation will look very different by next year.