The name Swaythling has been synonymous with the ITTF World Championships since the very beginning 100 years ago – and there was a nice full-circle moment as the centenary event came to a climax at OVO Arena Wembley on Sunday.
The Men’s Team champions have been presented with the Swaythling Cup since 1926 – it was donated by Lady Baroness Swaythling, the mother of Ivor Montagu, who was the first President of the ITTF.
On Sunday, Charles Montagu, the current Lord Swaythling, was a key part of the presentation ceremony as China once again lifted the historic trophy,
He passed the trophy bearing his family name to ITTF President Petra Sörling during the ceremony.
He said: “It was an honour for me to be invited to represent the Swaythling family for the presentation ceremony, and to be able commemorate the 100th year of the Swaythling Cup.
“From its humble beginnings with just a handful of countries involved, the Swaythling Cup is now one of the most important sporting events in the world, with more countries involved than in any other sport.
“It takes a lot of hard work by a dedicated organising body, many of whom give of their time for the love of the sport, to create an event that merges spectacle with attention to detail into a seamless competition that is world class in every respect.
“The Swaythling Cup has been the catalyst for a worldwide community of all ages, joining together to celebrate not only a passion for table tennis, but also a dedication and love for community, in a world where community spirit is needed more than ever.
“Congratulations everyone involved for creating an event in 2026 that will live on in our collective memory as one of the greatest sporting events we have ever witnessed.”
Lord Swaythling watched five days of the Championships in total and his daughter Delilah, a Grammy-winning singer, also attended on Sunday.