Several top Korean table tennis players, including Shin Yubin, Jang Woojin, and Oh Junseong, have been automatically selected for the national team for the upcoming year. The selections are based on their rankings within the International Table Tennis Federation's (ITTF) top 50, with additional spots awarded to U-19 players ranked within the top 100. A total of 20 players (10 male, 10 female) will represent Korea, with the remaining spots determined through national championships and selection tournaments scheduled for early 2026.

Cheongyang County has established a professional table tennis team linked to its elementary, middle, and high school table tennis clubs. The team, supported entirely by county funds, will initially consist of a coach, assistant coach, and four players, with plans to expand to eight players next year. This initiative aims to create a sustainable system for talent development, from youth programs to professional opportunities. Cheongyang has actively hosted table tennis tournaments, including an ITTF-certified WTT Youth Contender event, and supports both elite and recreational table tennis activities. The county's policy of unrestricted enrollment in youth table tennis clubs and consistent financial support have contributed to the success of Cheongyang's table tennis program, including the development of eight junior national team players.

Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KOC) President Seung Min Ryu has declared 2026 as the 'K-Sports Year,' emphasizing the intention to showcase the strength of Korean sports globally. With a series of major international competitions scheduled throughout the year, including the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the World Baseball Classic, the FIFA World Cup, the Asian Games, and the Dakar Summer Youth Olympics, Ryu pledged comprehensive support for athletes to focus on their performance. He highlighted 2025 as a year of change and innovation, with the KOC focusing on establishing a fair system and strengthening Korea's presence in the international sports community. The establishment of the Korea Sports Talent Development Institute was also noted as a key achievement. Ryu also committed to fostering a fair and transparent sports environment and introducing a new athlete development system.

Kim Nayoung and Yu Yerin, emerging stars of South Korean women's table tennis, have been automatically selected for the national team based on their ITTF world rankings. Kim Nayoung (ranked 50th) and Yu Yerin (ranked 78th) join Shin Yubin, Ju Cheon-hee, and Park Ga-hyeon as members of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) recognized national team. Yu Yerin's selection also highlights her status as the daughter of former Olympic gold medalist Yu Nam-kyu. The team will consist of 20 players, with 10 recognized by the KSOC and 10 managed by the Korea Table Tennis Association.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set to host the inaugural National Athletes’ Forum on January 10, 2026, in Ahmedabad. This forum aims to empower athletes by providing a platform for direct engagement in shaping policies related to their welfare, careers, and the future of Indian sport. Key themes include athlete rights, ethical governance, safe sport, mental health, anti-doping, and career transition. The initiative, championed by President PT Usha and Mary Kom, signifies a shift towards athlete-led reform and accountability.