ITTF mourns the passing of Neil Harwood OAM (1943 – 2026), one of Australian table tennis’s most influential figures and a distinguished leader in the global table tennis community.

Neil dedicated more than five decades to table tennis, leaving an indelible mark as an administrator, official and visionary leader at local, national and international levels.

His journey began in Tasmania in the early 1970s, sparked by a determination to improve the sport after being ruled out of competition. That moment set him on a path that would see him rise to the highest levels of table tennis administration.

At Table Tennis Australia, Neil held numerous pivotal roles including National Team Manager for three Olympic Games (1988, 1992, 1996), seven World Championships and multiple continental events. He served as TTA President from 1996 to 1999 and was awarded Life Membership in 1994.

Internationally, Neil’s influence was equally profound. As President of ITTF-Oceania (1996-2005), he brought a strong Australian voice to the global stage. He then served the ITTF in progressively senior positions, including Continental Vice-President on the Executive Board, Executive Vice-President for Finance, and Deputy President (2012-2013), with responsibilities spanning finance, umpires and referees, Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Para table tennis.

Neil also made significant contributions to the Olympic movement, serving as Competition Manager for table tennis at the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games and as International Technical Delegate for Athens 2004.

His exceptional service was recognised with life memberships from the ITTF, ITTF-Oceania, Table Tennis Australia, the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation and Tasmanian associations. In 2007, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Neil once reflected that he entered sport administration not for recognition but to help, saying the Olympic movement represented a highlight of his remarkable career. His greatest legacy, however, is the generations of players, officials and administrators he inspired and mentored throughout his journey.

The ITTF extends its deepest condolences to Neil’s wife Sandra, his extended family, and his many friends and colleagues throughout the Australian and global table tennis communities.

Source: ITTF