Bhubaneswar gears up for historic Asian Table Tennis Championships

Bhubaneswar is bracing for a sporting spectacle as it prepares to host the ITTF-ATTU 28th Asian Table Tennis Championships from October 11 at the Kalinga Stadium’s world-class Athletic Centre. The event, which returns to India after a 16-year gap, will see participation from 22 countries, following the withdrawal of the UAE, making it a landmark occasion for Odisha.

This is the first time the state will host a continental-level table tennis event, further strengthening Odisha’s growing reputation as India’s sporting hub. According to officials, more than 500 delegates are expected, including 450 players and support staff, along with 70–80 officials from the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU).

Backed by strong support from the state government and the Odisha State Table Tennis Association (OSTTA), preparations are in full swing to ensure a smooth and grand championship.

The five-day tournament promises high-octane action as Asia’s finest paddlers, including world-dominant teams from China, Japan, and Korea, arrive with strong 10-member squads in both men’s and women’s categories. The event also serves as crucial preparation for the 2026 World Team Championships in London.

For several nations from Central, South-East, and West Asia, the Bhubaneswar championship offers a golden opportunity, with 12 qualification slots up for grabs in each section. This guarantees fierce competition beyond the sport’s top three powerhouses.

From India’s perspective, the championship is equally significant. The men’s and women’s teams have already qualified for the London Worlds through the South Asia route, but competing against Asia’s best will provide a true test of their capabilities.

Indian paddlers are sharpening their form through ongoing National Ranking Championships in New Delhi and international WTT events. The home crowd in Bhubaneswar, known for its passionate support, could play a vital role in boosting the players’ morale.

Addressing a press conference at Kalinga Stadium, Sports Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj said, “It is a matter of pride and honour that Odisha is hosting the Asian Table Tennis Team Championships for the very first time. The Sports and Youth Services Department is ensuring all preparations for the smooth conduct of the event, from world-class infrastructure to accommodation, hospitality, and security for the players.”

He further informed that along with this international event, Odisha will also host the 40th National Junior Athletics Championships at Kalinga Stadium from 10th to 14th October 2025, and the ITF Masters 100 Tennis Tournament in Bhubaneswar from 11th to 15th October 2025.

“Hosting three national and international sporting events simultaneously is a testament to our commitment to sports and sportspersons. The Asian Table Tennis Team Championships will inspire table tennis talents across the country and Odisha,” Minister Shri Suraj added.

President of the Table Tennis Federation of India, Shri Kamlesh Mehta, expressed confidence that Odisha would successfully host the championship and said, “Odisha has carved out a special place for itself in sports excellence at the international level.”

The press meet was also attended by Shri Rabindra Parida, Secretary, Odisha Table Tennis Association; Shri N. Ganesan, Tournament Director; and Dr Yeddula Vijay, Director, Sports & Youth Services Department, Odisha.

Odisha has previously showcased its ability to host global sporting events in hockey and athletics, and this championship adds another feather to its cap. The city will also host the Executive Board Meeting of the ATTU on October 13, where crucial decisions about the future of table tennis in Asia are expected to be made.