Doha: The Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) is enhancing its preparations to host the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Doha 2025, scheduled to be held at the Lusail Sports Arena and Qatar University Sports and Events Complex from May 17 to 25.
Thani Al Zarraa, a member of the QTTA Board of Directors and president of the Qatar national teams committee, stated that 90 percent of the arrangements for the championship are complete. He noted that all inspection visits by the ITTF delegation have been finalized, with the delegation expressing satisfaction with Qatar’s readiness to organize the event.
He further mentioned that the championship’s mascot will be revealed in the upcoming weeks, while the list of participants and the location for the draw will be disclosed in early April.
Al Zarraa indicated that the championship will include men’s and women’s singles, as well as doubles and mixed doubles events, with 128 players competing in singles, 64 teams in both men’s and women’s doubles, and 64 teams in mixed doubles, culminating in a total of 443 matches.
He emphasized that the presence of world champions and top-ranked players will contribute to a highly competitive tournament, reflecting the event’s importance and global interest. Al Zarraa concluded by stating that ITTF officials have strong confidence in Qatar’s capability to deliver an exceptional edition, given its extensive experience in hosting significant international events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Qatar has the distinction of being the first Arab and Gulf nation to host the World Table Tennis Championship on two occasions, with the inaugural event taking place in 2004. A member of the QTTA Board emphasized that Qatar possesses the necessary resources to effectively host any international sporting event, boasting some of the finest sports facilities in the Middle East and globally, as well as a highly skilled administrative team in event management. He reaffirmed the commitment to delivering a championship that is both unique and exceptional.
Al Zarraa also mentioned that the partners and sponsors for the World Championship will be officially revealed at an upcoming press conference. He highlighted that the QTTA has a long history of organizing international tournaments, which positions it well for hosting the 2025 World Championship. This year alone, the association has successfully conducted three tournaments, including one in January that attracted a record number of ranked players from various countries.
The QTTA Board Member noted that national players have qualified and reached the semi-finals in recent tournaments, representing significant milestones for Qatari table tennis. He added that these players have also achieved several victories in various international competitions held in Europe.
Furthermore, he indicated that new talent has been integrated into the national team, which will represent Qatar on the global table tennis stage. Regarding the national team’s preparation for the 2025 World Championship, Al Zarraa stated that team members Mohammed Abdulwahab, Ahmed Eid, and Aya Magdy are set to compete in the 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup 2025 in China. He also mentioned that the QTTA plans to organize an external training camp abroad, although the location has yet to be finalized, emphasizing that the team will be thoroughly prepared for the event.
The QTTA Board Member indicated that the ITTF delegation is scheduled to conduct a conclusive visit to the championship facilities to assess Qatar’s preparedness. Al Zarraa mentioned that Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital will host the 17th ITTF Sports Science Congress alongside the 2025 World Championship, in addition to offering medical support services for the event. He further noted that the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Doha 2025 will include meetings at the continental level, discussions among Arab states, as well as the Annual General Meeting and the ITTF Council, which will be responsible for electing a new ITTF President.
The QTTA Board Member expressed hope for Qatar’s Khalil Al Mohannadi to secure the ITTF presidency. Al Zarraa also stated that the 2025 World Championship will mark the federation’s final event prior to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the inaugural World Championship held in 1926, which will be commemorated at the renowned Wembley Stadium in 2026.
