KTTA Holds First Match and Referee Training Program

52 participants from nationwide chapters attend, 23 complete certification course

The Korean American Table Tennis Association held its first nationwide official event since President Kim Minkyun, a former player, assumed office, bringing together regional chapters for a match and referee training program.

The association hosted its first New Year gathering combined with a three-day match and referee training camp, successfully concluding the event with executives and members from chapters across the country in attendance.

The event marked the association’s first national-level official gathering under Kim’s leadership and served as more than a ceremonial New Year meeting. It was designed as an opportunity to share the organization’s direction and identity while strengthening education, practical operations, and organizational cohesion under the leadership of a president with competitive playing experience. The event drew attention both within and outside the association for its emphasis on training and practical development.

A total of 52 participants attended the camp, with 23 completing the match and referee certification program. The association noted that the event provided an opportunity for chapters nationwide to align under common standards and operational guidelines. Rather than a simple social gathering, the program focused on strengthening organizational structure and establishing consistent operational standards through education.

Nationwide Chapters Gather to Strengthen Unity Through Education and Exchange

President Kim expressed appreciation to chapter leaders and members who traveled from across the country, as well as to Chairman Choi Jong-woo, President Kwon Jung, vice presidents, and association executives for their participation and support.

He also extended thanks to chapter leaders who were unable to attend due to distance but expressed encouragement and pledged future participation. Acknowledging the busy schedules of participants managing clubs and personal commitments, Kim noted that the positive feedback from attendees made the effort of organizing the program worthwhile and provided renewed motivation for future initiatives.

Special appreciation was also extended to Advisor Kim Jin-kyung for sending congratulatory flower arrangements in support of the event.

The New Year gathering and camp focused on strengthening the association’s organizational capacity while enabling nationwide chapters to share unified standards and direction through structured training programs.

Continued Education and Exchange to Support the Growth of Korean American Table Tennis

President Kim stated that the association plans to continue organizing educational and networking opportunities to further strengthen the organization and contribute meaningfully to the development of Korean American table tennis across the United States.

The event began with opening remarks by Chairman Choi Jong-woo, who traveled from Houston and emphasized the importance of education and organizational direction. Attendees included Kwon Jung, President of the World Korean Table Tennis Association; Kim Jung-ho, Vice President of the Korean American Table Tennis Association (Houston); Ryu Sung-eun, Senior Vice President (Dallas); Ahn Young-san, President of the Michigan Table Tennis Association; Nam Soo-yong, former President of the Boston Table Tennis Association; Lim Sun-ae, Vice President (New Jersey); Kim Hyun-seok, President of the New Jersey Table Tennis Association; Je Young-shin, Chairman of the New Jersey Table Tennis Association; Jang Tae-geun, Vice President of the New Jersey Table Tennis Association; Kim Jin-kyung, Advisor to the Alabama Table Tennis Association; Hwang Jun-pil, Treasurer (Georgia); and Byun Kwang-rae, Vice President and President of MK Table Tennis Club (Georgia), among other association officials.

The special training camp also featured professional coaches from across the country as instructors, including Ahn Byung-jun, Education Vice President; Jung Kwang-ok, Vice President; Kim Sun-sook, Vice President and President of the Chicago Table Tennis Association; Kim Hyun-jung, Executive Director; Shin Song-yi, Education Committee Member (Houston); Lee Eun-seop, coach at MK Table Tennis Club; Heo Sun-beom, MK Table Tennis Club coach; and Lee Hanna, MK Table Tennis Club coach.

President Kim added that it was an honor to conduct the camp alongside experienced coaches and mentors from across the country and expressed sincere appreciation to executives, chapter leaders, members, and supporters who contributed to the successful completion of the event. He also extended special thanks to Chairman Sunwoo In-ho of the Georgia Table Tennis Association, its executives and members, and members of the MK Table Tennis Club for their continued support.