International table tennis continues to evolve on a foundation that combines tradition, development and an increasingly diverse community. From players who extend their competitive careers beyond the age of 40 to young athletes taking their first steps in high performance, the sport finds in its world championships a space for connection, growth and belonging.
In this context, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has formally opened the bidding process for the 2027 and 2028 editions of two of its most representative events: the ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships and the ITTF World Youth Championships. The decision is not only about selecting host cities, but also about strengthening the global identity of table tennis through competitions that reflect different stages of sporting life.
The Masters World Championships: experience, continuity and a new collective dimension
The World Masters Table Tennis Championships have established themselves as one of the most distinctive fixtures on the international calendar, bringing together thousands of players over the age of 40 who compete across age categories, driven by passion and long-term commitment to the sport. Strong participation and sustained growth have led the ITTF to expand the event with the creation of the World Masters Team Championships, which will be inaugurated in 2027.
This new team competition will mark a milestone within the Masters landscape, complementing the individual events scheduled for 2028. The format responds to growing demand for more inclusive experiences, where competition coexists with a sense of community and shared representation, reinforcing table tennis as a sport that supports its participants throughout their sporting lives.
The Youth World Championships and a globally focused bidding process
At the other end of the sporting cycle, the ITTF World Youth Table Tennis Championships represent the culmination of the season for the next generation. Year after year, the event brings together emerging talents from across the world, serving as a key platform for international projection and the transition to senior high performance.
The bidding process for both championships will follow a structured and transparent framework aligned with international best practices. ITTF Member Associations, together with prospective host cities and local organising committees, will be able to submit expressions of interest by 28 February 2026, with final bids due by 15 March. Following an evaluation phase, the ITTF Council will appoint the host cities on 1 May 2026, drawing on the recent experience of Gangneung, in the Republic of Korea, host of the 2026 World Masters Championships, and Manama, in Bahrain, host of the 2026 World Youth Championships.
