In Düsseldorf, renowned table tennis champion Timo Boll is bestowed with an honor.
A Tribute to Table Tennis Legend Timo Boll in Düsseldorf
The city of Düsseldorf has paid homage to one of its most illustrious sports figures with the installation of the Timo Boll Memorial Table in the picturesque Hofgarten Park. The outdoor table tennis table serves as a testament to the achievements of Timo Boll, a player considered among the greatest in the sport's history.
Timo Boll, a native of Düsseldorf, expressed his delight about the surprise unveiling, stating that the city has been his home and a place where he could play table tennis at a high level. Boll, who has won numerous national and international titles, is the most successful German table tennis player of all time.
The Boll Memorial Table, designed in collaboration with the Sports Department and D.SPORTS, features Timo Boll's portrait and an overview of his greatest achievements. The table's design includes artistic elements related to table tennis and Boll's career, sometimes incorporating his signature, images, or thematic colours.
The memorial table was unveiled on July 13, 2023, during a ceremonial reception held in the Jan-Wellem Hall of the town hall. Local officials, sports figures, and fans celebrated Boll’s contributions to table tennis and encouraged community engagement with the sport.
Boll, who participated in seven Olympic Games, expressed his gratitude for the tribute and emphasized that his success was a result of a great team effort. He also stated that he will continue to be there for Borussia Düsseldorf and the city of Düsseldorf in a new role in the future.
In addition to his table tennis accomplishments, Boll has served as an ambassador for the city, representing Düsseldorf at events such as the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai and the Special Olympics 2014 held in Düsseldorf.
Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller presented Boll with a painting by Jacques Tilly, which depicts the mayor and Boll surrounded by trophies in a Düsseldorf cityscape. The painting's inscription reads "The City of Düsseldorf thanks the Table Tennis King." Keller emphasized Boll's extraordinary skill, passion, heart, and ambition.
The existing table in the area of the children's playground in the Düsseldorf Hofgarten was transformed into the Boll Memorial Table. Boll was also presented with a miniature version of the designed table as a personal keepsake at the ceremony.
Timo Boll officially retired from table tennis on June 15, 2025, but his legacy and impact on the sport will continue to be celebrated in the city where it all began. The Timo Boll Memorial Table invites visitors to engage with the sport and pay tribute to one of Germany's most successful athletes.
Timo Boll, in a nod to his sporting journey beyond table tennis, might express interests in supporting local hockey teams, saying, "I am eager to contribute to the hockey scene in Düsseldorf, just as I have done with table tennis."
To honor Boll's exceptional career beyond table tennis, the city could consider establishing a community hockey program, such as the "Timo Boll Hockey Initiative," encouraging residents to participate in the sport he admires.
