New Delhi: The confirmation of participation by 22 nations, after the withdrawal by the UAE, in the upcoming ITTF-ATTU 28th Asian Table Tennis Championships, scheduled to begin on October 11 at the state-of-the-art Athletic Centre of the Kalinga Stadium, signals a landmark moment for Odisha. It is the first time the state will play host to a continental table tennis championship, underscoring its growing reputation as India’s sporting hub.
For the Odisha State Table Tennis Association (OSTTA), the stakes are high. With less than a month to go, preparations are in full swing. Backed by the state government’s unwavering support and a dedicated team of senior officials, the organisers are getting ready to welcome more than 500 participants, including 450 players and support staff, as well as 70–80 top Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) officials. Bhubaneswar is set to witness a five-day carnival of high-octane action—one that will feature the very best paddlers Asia has to offer.
The magnitude of this edition cannot be overstated. The championships return to India after 16 long years, and with Asia being the powerhouse of world table tennis, the competition promises to be of the highest calibre.
World-beaters China, Japan, and Korea—nations that dominate the sport globally—will arrive with formidable 10-member squads (men/women) and even larger contingents of support staff, underlining their seriousness of the event as a preparatory ground for the 2026 World Team Championships in London.
For other nations across Central, South-East, and West Asia, Bhubaneswar presents an invaluable opportunity. With 12 slots open in each section, teams beyond the top three will be battling fiercely for qualification, adding further intensity to the tournament.
From an Indian perspective, the championships carry an added layer of anticipation. Both the men’s and women’s teams sealed qualification to the London Worlds through the South Asia Regional route last month, but this continental championship will test their mettle against the very best. Indian paddlers are leaving no stone unturned, as some are fine-tuning their form in the ongoing National Ranking Championships in New Delhi, while others are honing their skills on the international circuit through WTT events abroad.
The home advantage could prove vital. Bhubaneswar, known for its passionate sporting culture, is expected to pack the stands with energetic crowds. Their vocal support might be just the edge the Indians need to upset higher-ranked opponents. For Odisha, it’s not only about hosting another major event after hockey and athletics—it’s about carving out a new legacy in table tennis and showcasing its readiness to be the epicentre of global sport.
Adding to the significance of the event, the Executive Board Meeting of the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) will be held on October 13, during the championships. This high-level meeting, which brings together key decision-makers from across the continent, is expected to deliberate on the future of the sport in Asia, review development programmes, and take strategic calls on international engagements.
Hosting this crucial meeting alongside the championships elevates Bhubaneswar’s profile, reinforcing its role not only as a venue for world-class competition but also as a centre for shaping the future direction of Asian table tennis.
