The German’s manifesto, entitled Delivering Value and Growth for Global Table Tennis and accessible, sets out seven key pillars that express a series of proposals to expand the sport further.

It is hoped these will ensure that table tennis and the ITTF "reach even greater heights".

Among the pillars set out are fuelling the development of table tennis and empowering National Associations, setting the highest standards of governance, integrity and transparency and ensuring stability, continuity and positive Olympic-International Olympic Committee (IOC) relations.

Also pledged by Weikert is the maximising of commercial and marketing opportunities, enhancing the presentation of the sport, engaging audiences digitally and attracting younger fans and developing Para-table tennis.

The unveiling of Weikert’s manifesto coincides with World Table Tennis Day, which he celebrated at his local league club, TTC 1947 Elz, located near Cologne.

Speaking to insidethegames in a telephone interview from the SportAccord Convention here in Aarhus, Denmark, Weikert said: "One thing is the manifesto with the seven key pillars, but the other thing is when I speak or talk with the people in different continents, I feel very confident,

"Of course, I talk a lot and tell them my pillars which they already know.

"They know I stand for increasing the marketing income because since January 1, the ITTF has itself been responsible for the marketing income.

"Before, it was the marketing agency TMS and we bought the rights back so we’re responsible.

"We were successful in the first months to find overall sponsor for our World Tour with the company Seamaster and we have other successful things.

"There is development and also very important for me is transparency and to have all the things with good governance.

"So I’m confident and the people tell me they support me very strongly.

"Some messages to me confidential, but also some open support."

Weikert, 55, is in a three-way battle for the top job with former world number one Jean-Michel Saive of Belgium and Qatar's current ITTF vice-president Khalil Al-Mohannadi.

The election is due to be held on May 31 during the 2017 ITTF World Championships in Düsseldorf. 

Asked what stands him out from his two rival candidates, Weikert was not willing to make comparisons.

"I stand on my pillars, my goals and of course I see what the others are doing," he said. 

"But first of all, I think it’s better not doing something against someone, but doing a favour for table tennis with these manifesto points."

Insidethegames understands Al-Mohannadi is likely to pull out at some point to back the likely winner.

Weikert said he had heard the rumours, but said he cannot offer judgement on the matter.

"Let’s wait," he added.

"There is some time to decide that.

"If he does do this then the question is if he is a candidate for vice-president, because he cannot run for both.

"But it’s up to him.

"I respect him very much.

"He’s done a good job as Deputy President."

Weikert’s campaign was recently boosted by receiving an endorsement from the German Table Tennis Association and the German Olympic Sports Confederation.

"Germany is one of the strongest sports nations in the world so it’s really important that I have the support of them of course," he said.

"I know the President and all the guys from there and they are really supporting me.

"I was President for 10 years at the German Table Tennis Association and if there was no support, I would not compete in this Presidential race.

"It’s not only the support of the people, I feel that they like that I am President again."

In the coming days, Weikert will also launch his full campaign website and publish his election manifesto in four additional languages; French, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese.

He describes table tennis’ Olympic status as also being "vitally important" to him, with the ITTF having applied for mixed, men's and women's doubles at Tokyo 2020. 

"Building on the successful reclassification of our sport to Olympic Group C, I am working to secure up to three extra events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games - enabling table tennis and the ITTF to further strengthen its Olympic standing," he said.

The deadline for National Associations to submit nominations for Presidential candidates is April 30.

Weikert has been ITTF President since September 2014, but was never elected, assuming the position automatically as he was Adham Sharara's deputy when the Canadian stepped down.

Leading strategic communications agency Vero is promoting Weikert's campaign.

The London-based company has worked on a number of successful campaigns, including Brian Cookson at the International Cycling Union, Sebastian Coe at the International Association of Athletics Federations and Gianni Infantino at FIFA.

To read Weikert's full manifesto click here.