Astana: The 27th ITTF-Asian Table Tennis Championships 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan, drew to a close on Monday, marking the end of an intense competition that showcased the best talent in Asian table tennis. This prestigious event, which was held from October 6 to 14 for the first time in the host country, set a high bar for the series of continental championships to follow.
The tournament featured 210 athletes from 26 nations competing in singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and both men’s and women’s team events.
Individual events provided great excitement for spectators. Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto claimed the men’s singles title, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s rising stars. In a twist that caught many off guard, Kim Kum-Yong from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea secured the women’s singles title, shining a spotlight on the nation’s often-overlooked table tennis programme.
China maintained their dominance in the men’s team category, securing yet another title. However, Japan pulled off a stunning victory in the women’s team event, showcasing their prowess.
The doubles events featured a blend of established powerhouses and emerging talents. Japan’s Satsuki Odo and Sakura Yokoi triumphed in the women’s doubles, while South Korea’s Lim Jonghoon and An Jaehyun emerged victorious in the men’s doubles. China didn’t leave empty-handed in the paired events, with Lin Shidong and Kuai Man capturing the mixed doubles championship.
Khalil bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi, who serves as the President of the Qatari, Arab, and Asian Federations, as well as the First Vice-President of the International Table Tennis Federation, presented the championship trophy at the conclusion of the final match.
The final match was graced by the presence of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a known enthusiast of table tennis since his youth. He attended the final matches of both the singles and team competitions, alongside Al-Mohannadi, in the main hall of the venue, commending the significant efforts made by the Asian Federation to promote the sport across the continent.
Prior to the championships, the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) held its Annual General Meeting on October 12, re-electing Khalil Al-Mohannadi as President for another four-year term. This leadership stability promises to support the continued growth and development of table tennis in the region. The Assembly also made key decisions for future events, selecting host cities for upcoming championships: India will host the 2025 Asian Team Table Tennis Championships, Uzbekistan will organise the 2026 Asian Championships, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has been chosen for the 2028 Asian Championships.
The selection of DPR Korea as a host nation adds another chapter to the country’s recent table tennis history. It brings to mind the memorable scenes from the 2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Halmstad, Sweden, where the women’s teams from DPR Korea and South Korea united to compete as Korea Unified, showcasing the unifying power of table tennis. The 2028 event in DPR Korea presents another opportunity to highlight the sport’s popularity and development across the Korean Peninsula.
