Weikert has become only the seventh person to head the ITTF since 1937, with Sharara bowing out to take up the newly-created role of chairman following 15 years in charge.

Stepping up from his position as ITTF Deputy President, the head of the German Table Tennis Association has said he wants to expand the sport of table tennis to every corner of the globe.

"During my time as ITTF President, I would like to continue the growth of the sport and fulfill the ITTF's goal of becoming a top five sport," he said. 

"I am hoping for a big support from the ITTF family to achieve this goal."

The 52-year-old added: "Although I am German, I am no German President, but a President for everyone.

"Development of smaller associations is a matter that is near to my heart.

"One of my aims is to expand the already well-functioning ITTF Development Programme.

"I want our sport to be played in as many countries by as many people as possible.

"Table Tennis should not only serve as a form for physical and mental training, but also be a unifying element."

New International Table Tennis Federation President Thomas Weikert wants to spread the appeal of the game to as many countries as possible ©Getty Images



Sharara's new chairman role was created at this year's ITTF Annual general Meeting (AGM).

It is "an independent and non-political position without any voting or decision-making power".

The former President will chair future AGMs and specific projects, including the review of the organisation's consultation and a focus on marketing.

Speaking in April, the Canadian told insidethegames he wanted to help generate increased competition to Chinese dominance in the sport as part of his new role.

"I am very happy that the ITTF will now step into a new phase of its development," he said today.

"Thomas has the necessary energy and motivation to take the ITTF to the next level and we will all support his efforts as an ITTF family."

To fill Sharara's vacated position on the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors elected Canadian Bruce Burton as Executive vice-president.

The nine-member Executive Committee is now made up of Weikert, Deputy President Khalid Al-Mohannadi from Qatar, and Burton, Tunisian Cherif Hajem, Patrick Gillmann from New Caledonia, Masahiro Maehara from Japan, Melecio Rivera from El Salvador, Chinese Shi Zhihao and Swede Petra Sorling as executive vice-presidents.

They will remain in post until at least the next elections in 2017.