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Hans Wilhelm Gäb, 'Moral Compass of German Sports,' Dies at 89

The former table tennis champion, auto executive, and sports leader is remembered for his integrity, reforms, and advocacy in sports and society.

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Overview

  • Hans Wilhelm Gäb passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving a legacy of ethical leadership in sports and business.
  • As president of the German Table Tennis Federation from 1981 to 1994, Gäb modernized the sport and mentored top players like Timo Boll.
  • In the automotive industry, Gäb held senior roles at Ford, Opel, and General Motors Europe, pioneering corporate sponsorships in sports.
  • He returned the Olympic Order in 2016 to protest the IOC's handling of the Russian doping scandal, highlighting his principled stance.
  • After surviving a liver transplant, Gäb founded organ donation initiatives and established the Hall of Fame des Deutschen Sports to honor athletes while addressing moral complexities.