Table Tennis Canada coach Iryna Shevchenko has been selected for the 2026 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) “My Gender. My Strength.” program, an international women’s coaching initiative focused on supporting and developing female coaches from around the world.
Based in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, Iryna has been actively involved in athlete and coach development in Canada and is also part of Table Tennis Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program.
The ITTF initiative, launched through the federation’s Sports Development department, is designed to empower female coaches through education, practical experience, and long-term community impact. The program includes three major stages:
* theoretical and online coaching education,
* practical international development experience,
* and a legacy phase where coaches organize women and girls training camps within their home countries.
As part of the selection process, member associations from around the world were invited to nominate one female coach for the program. “Being accepted into this program feels very special,” said Iryna. “I feel very honored to have been selected among coaches from around the world, and I’m very grateful for the support from Table Tennis Canada throughout this process.”
Karine Dumontier, EDI Manager, Table Tennis Canada, added: “I am very happy for Iryna; she is an excellent candidate for this program, she is motivated and committed to everything she does. I am expecting some very positive impacts for the table tennis community in Canada. I am also confident that she will benefit the entire group of coaches in Table Tennis Canada’s mentorship program by sharing this unique experience.”
For Iryna, one of the most exciting aspects of the program will be the opportunity to connect with coaches internationally and continue learning from different perspectives and experiences.
“One of my biggest expectations from the program is to continue learning and growing as a coach, while also connecting with experienced coaches from different countries and backgrounds,” she explained. “I’m really looking forward to exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and gaining new perspectives that I can bring back to the athletes and clubs I work with, as well as to the Canadian table tennis community.”
She also highlighted the importance of mentorship opportunities for women in coaching and the role Table Tennis Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program has played in supporting female coaches across the country.
“What stands out to me most about Table Tennis Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program is the support and encouragement it provides to women in coaching,” said Shevchenko. “Programs like this are incredibly important because they create more opportunities, build confidence, and increase the visibility of female coaches in our sport.”
She added that one of the most valuable aspects of the mentorship initiative has been the opportunity to connect and collaborate with coaches from across Canada.
“Sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another has been both inspiring and beneficial,” she said. “These connections help create a strong network of support and contribute to our growth as coaches.”
The 2026 edition of “My Gender. My Strength.” builds on previous successful editions of the program, which have supported coaches from all five continental regions and helped create lasting impacts within local communities worldwide.
For Table Tennis Canada, Shevchenko’s selection also reflects the continued growth of women’s coaching development programs within the country and the importance of creating pathways for future leaders in the sport.
“I’m very grateful to be part of this program and to have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and connect with such an inspiring group of women,” Shevchenko said.
