The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has announced that it will award the 2026 ITTF Merit Award to Lissette "Kiki" Gaetán Rivera, a pioneering figure in table tennis, who made history by becoming the first woman to preside over a national federation affiliated with the ITTF, and also served as a delegate to the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee. The award is particularly significant as it comes during the 100th anniversary year of the organization. Gaetan Rivera also served in leadership positions within the Latin American Table Tennis Union, contributing to the development and global promotion of the sport. The official presentation of the award will take place during the World Table Tennis Championships in London on May 3.