The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is deeply saddened by the passing of Hans Wilhelm Gäb on 13 April 2025, at the age of 89. A towering figure in German sport and a transformative leader in table tennis, Gäb leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity.

Born in Düsseldorf, Gäb discovered his passion for table tennis at the age of 13. A gifted athlete, he went on to become a multiple German national champion and represented his country at the highest level, embodying both the fighting spirit of an individual competitor and the camaraderie of a team player.

Gäb began his career in sports administration within regional table tennis circles before taking on the role of President of the German Table Tennis Association (DTTB) from 1981 to 1994. During his tenure, he laid the groundwork for the sports professionalisation in Germany and played a pivotal role in nurturing the rise of future stars such as Jörg Roßkopf and Timo Boll. From 1994 onwards, he continued to support the DTTB as Honorary President.

Gäbs motto left a mark on generations of players. He was a forward-thinking reformer who modernised both the organisational structures and visual presentation of the sport. At the ITTF World Championships Dortmund 1989, he introduced red flooring for the first time and implemented a bold, television-optimised tournament design. His efforts were rewarded when Germanys young underdogs, Steffen Fetzner and Jörg Roßkopf, captured the publics imagination with an unforgettable performance, ushering in a new era for table tennis.

Beyond his work in Germany, Gäb also served as President of the European Table Tennis Union and was Chef de Mission of the all-German Olympic team at the 1992 Barcelona Games. His exceptional contributions to sport were recognised with numerous accolades, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Golden Sports Pyramid, the Laureus Media Award, and his induction into the Hall of Fame of German Sport in 2020.

In parallel with his sporting leadership, Hans Wilhelm Gäb built an illustrious career in journalism and the automotive industry. A former newspaper journalist, he co-founded the magazine Auto Zeitung in 1968 and later transitioned into corporate communications. He made history as the first Head of Communications on the Board of Directors at Ford, later joining Opels Board of Management and becoming Vice President of General Motors Europe. He was instrumental in forging high-profile sponsorships with sporting icons such as Steffi Graf, Franziska van Almsick, and clubs like FC Bayern and AC Milan, helping reshape Opels brand image across Europe.

Hans Wilhelm Gäb will be remembered not only for his immense contributions to sport, but also for his elegance, generosity, and wisdom. His influence on table tennis and the broader sports landscape is profound and enduring.

The ITTF extends its sincere condolences to Mr Gäbs family, friends, and all connected to him through the sport.