The ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships began in London this week, featuring national teams from 64 nations [1].
This tournament marks a significant historical milestone for the sport. By returning to London, the event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the championships, which were first held in the city in 1926 [1].
The competition is scheduled to run from April 28 to May 10, 2026 [2]. Day two, Session 1 of the event has already commenced, with matches played across venues in central London and draws previously held at The Shard [1, 2].
Organizers designed the event to honor the centenary of the inaugural edition. The scale of the tournament reflects the global growth of the sport since its 1926 origins, a century of evolution in technique and international participation [1].
An MSN report said, "The ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals 2026 start tomorrow in London, marking the event's 100th anniversary since its inaugural edition in the city in 1926" [1].
Teams from across the globe, including representatives from Nigeria and Egypt, are competing for the title [2]. The event continues to unfold over the next several days as the field narrows toward the finals [2].
“The event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the championships, which were first held in the city in 1926.”
The return of the championships to London for its centenary underscores the ITTF's effort to link the sport's modern professional era with its historical roots. By hosting 64 nations, the event demonstrates the expanded global reach of table tennis compared to its inaugural 1926 gathering, transitioning from a regional competition to a worldwide sporting phenomenon.
