The ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Rome 2024: A Celebration of Sporting Passion and Global Unity
The ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Rome 2024, presented by Stag Global, are set to make history as the biggest table tennis event ever held. From July 7 to 14, the Nuova Fiera di Roma will welcome a staggering 6,100 athletes aged 40 and over, hailing from 111 member associations around the world.
“This unprecedented number of participants shows the universal appeal of table tennis. It’s truly gratifying to see such enthusiasm and passion for our sport,” expressed ITTF President and IOC Member Petra Sörling, who has won gold and silver medals in Women’s doubles at past editions.
This unprecedented gathering of table tennis enthusiasts will also bring together over 2,500 accompanying persons and officials, resulting in nearly 10,000 passionate fans ready to witness this historic event unfold in the Italian capital.
A Homecoming for the World Masters
This marks the second time Italy has the honor of hosting the World Masters Table Tennis Championships, following the 1986 edition in Rimini. European powerhouses Germany, Italy, and France will field the largest delegations, while China, Japan, and India lead the Asian contingent. The event will feature 11 age categories, with titles contested in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Notably, the oldest competitor, American Wa Yuet Yu, will celebrate her 100th birthday in October, showcasing the inclusive nature of the sport.
Embracing Inclusivity: The Inclusion of Para Table Tennis
For the first time, para table tennis will also be included, making Rome 2024 the most inclusive World Masters Table Tennis Championships ever. Renato Di Napoli, President of the Italian Table Tennis Federation, commented, “Following the success of the 2022 European Masters in Rimini, we are truly pleased that the ITTF has appreciated our work and renewed its trust for these World Championships.”
Celebrating Sport and Cultural Heritage
Beyond the competition, the event presents a unique opportunity for participants to experience the rich cultural heritage of Rome. The Italian Table Tennis Federation has partnered with the University of Foro Italico and Sport Advisor SG Plus to study the event’s economic impact on the region and its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, further highlighting the benefits of combining sport and tourism.
“I am happy that our country, once again, is the home of a great sporting event, confirming the vocation and tradition that have always accompanied us and push us to pursue new, important goals,” expressed Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee.
With the support of prestigious organizations and key sponsors, the ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Rome 2024 is poised to be a truly historic and unforgettable event for table tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
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