Table Tennis England missed out to England Hockey in the National Governing Body of the Year Award at the BT Sport Industry Awards.

The accolade was announced tonight at a ceremony in London attended by a host of big names in sport and sports governance.

Table Tennis England was shortlisted after judges were impressed by a string of achievements across all aspects of the organisation in 2016.

Highlights included becoming the first governing body to partner with SPORTbible to stream sports action live, showcasing international table tennis to an audience of millions compared with thousands who watch TV coverage.

Also taken into consideration were successes such as the England team winning bronze at the World Team Championships; being nominated for three ITTF Star Awards; Stuart Sherlock being the Rio Olympic referee; England successfully bidding to host the Europe Youth Top 10; and the launch of a National Talent Academy.

The award also reflects the growing role played by Table Tennis England in world governance, demonstrated by our Chairman Sandra Deaton being elected to the ITTF Board and the launch of a partnership to help develop the Kenyan TTA.

Successes such as the Loop programme placing tables in well over 250 new venues; Harry Fairchild becoming the world’s first coach with Down’s Syndrome; growing participation; increasing the number of licensed coaches by more than 100%; launching the Pride of Table Tennis Awards; and a record summer of Ping! were also considered by the judges.

Table Tennis England Chief Executive Sara Sutcliffe said:

“Congratulations to England Hockey on being named NGB of the Year, they truly deserve the accolade.

“We were thrilled to have been shortlisted on the back of a memorable year with so many highlights. It shows how the table tennis family is pulling in the same direction, from our elite athletes and full-time staff to the hundreds of volunteers who give their time and skills to enhance all aspects of the sport.

“We look forward to many more years of moving the sport in exciting directions and hopefully being back at this ceremony again in the future.”