Table Tennis Coach Linus Mernsten Named Denmark Coach of the Year

Linus Mernsten received Denmark’s Coach of the Year 2025 award at Sports Galla 2025 in Herning on January 5, 2026, marking a rare moment for table tennis in the country’s sporting landscape. The ceremony drew a live audience of 10,000 people and reached about one million viewers on Danmarks Radio, underscoring the visibility the sport has gained under his leadership.

Mernsten has led the Danish national table tennis team since 2014 and has been credited with helping the nation rise on the international stage. His previous national coaching posts in Sweden, Luxembourg, Spain, and England reflect a broad European coaching background that has informed Denmark’s program. Denmark’s top player, Anders Lind, now World No. 16, publicly attributed a large part of his progress to Mernsten’s guidance, saying that without him he would likely have remained around No. 200 in the world rankings.

This is only the second time a table tennis coach has been named Denmark’s Coach of the Year across all sports; the first honoree from the sport was Peter Sartz in 2002. Mernsten was told about the award in advance during private celebrations at Michael Maze’s restaurant John and Woo in Copenhagen before the official presentation in Herning. Organizers and supporters framed the recognition as the result of persistent, long-term strategies in coaching and player development.

For clubs, coaches, and players, the award is more than a personal accolade. It validates the national pathway that emphasizes continuity, targeted development, and international experience. Expect increased attention from media and potential sponsors in the short term, which can translate into more resources for youth programs and regional training centers. Local clubs can capitalize on the moment by promoting tryouts, hosting coaching clinics, and seeking partnerships that connect grassroots players with the national setup.

The honor also raises the profile of coaching as a career in Danish table tennis, offering a concrete example of how sustained investment in coaching can produce world-class players. Use this recognition to push for clearer coaching pathways, mentor networks, and shared training practices that can keep the momentum going between community tables and international podiums.