A Global Rally for Diversity and Inclusion: WTTD 2025 Connects the World Through 844 Celebrations
One month after the unforgettable celebrations of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2025, let us take a moment to reflect on a truly remarkable occasion — a day when table tennis united people from all walks of life across every continent. From city parks and schools to prisons and hospitals, tables were set up, rackets raised, and laughter echoed in every corner. In a joyful gathering for Diversity and Inclusion, this year’s WTTD has reached a new height, with 844 celebrations in 146 countries and territories, making it the most widespread edition in terms of countries reached to date.
A World United by Table Tennis
The energy of WTTD 2025 pulsed through all five continents. From urban centers to remote villages, table tennis brought people together regardless of age, ability, gender identity, and background.
This year, Asia led in participation with 336 celebrations, followed by Africa (208), Europe (150), the Americas (135), and Oceania (15). This widespread engagement speaks to the power of sport to foster connection, joy, and unity.
Among the top participating countries and territories, India stood tall with an impressive 178 celebrations. The Indian table tennis legend and ITTF Foundation Ambassador Sharath Kamal Achanta also hosted a vibrant event at his academy, where girls and boys joined in fun, inclusive games. Zambia followed with 68 celebrations, while China (60), Nigeria (31), and England (24) also stood out for their active involvement.
We were especially delighted to welcome several newcomers to the WTTD celebration family this year: Benin, Dominica W.I., Equatorial Guinea, and Gambia. Their inaugural participation marks the growing global embrace of table tennis for togetherness and inclusion.
Member Associations Set a New Record
WTTD 2025 also saw a record of 66 ITTF Member Associations (MAs) joining the celebration, reflecting the deepening commitment of national federations to connect society through the shared love for table tennis. Here are some highlight stories from around the world:
· China: National Ball in Parks
The Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) backed a national push through its “National Ball in Parks” initiative. On 23 April, more than 14,000 people gathered to play in 114 parks across 31 provinces. Sixty events were officially registered, making this the country’s largest WTTD celebration yet. From children to seniors, people came together to showcase that table tennis truly is a sport for all.
· Iran: A Week of Education and Empowerment
The Islamic Republic of Iran Table Tennis Federation marked WTTD with a week-long series of physical and online activities across two provinces. Collaborating with Iran Para Table Tennis and academic partners, they focused on health and education through seminars, radio shows, and awareness campaigns on the sport’s therapeutic benefits, especially for those living with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
· Iraq: First-Time Federation Joining the Celebration
The Iraqi Table Tennis Federation joined WTTD for the very first time, launching the Iraqi Premier Open Club Championship for both men and women. Around 100 participants, including 20–25 women, played in a celebration that focused on youth engagement, gender equality, and club collaboration. It was truly “a celebration of connection, passion, and sportsmanship” as the federation described.
· Lebanon: Healing Through Sport
Under the theme “Diversity and Inclusion,” the Lebanese Table Tennis Federation hosted events in conflict-affected areas such as Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Northern Bekaa, Mount Lebanon, and Nabatieh Square. Tables were set up in a psychiatric hospital, public promenades, and rural villages, using the sport as a tool for healing, community connection, and hope.
· Greece: Philosophy Meets Play
One of the most creative WTTD 2025 celebrations unfolded in Thessaloniki, where the Hellenic Table Tennis Federation transformed the historic Aristotle Square into a living tribute to inclusion and community. The event featured games, expert interviews, and challenges with elite players, and five para-athletes from the AETOS Club. Net barriers were removed, and the space was redesigned to invite free movement and human connection. The message was loud and clear: table tennis is for everyone, no matter their background or ability.
· Portugal: Bringing the Game to Every Corner
The Portuguese Table Tennis Federation led an inspired national initiative, mobilising 12 of the country’s 16 district associations to host events in venues ranging from shopping malls and parks to national monuments and prisons. One of the most powerful moments came during a prison tournament final in Viseu. It not only captured the spirit of the sport but also highlighted table tennis as a medium for social reintegration.
More Than Just a Celebration
The impressive numbers from WTTD 2025 have highlighted the magical power of table tennis to foster Diversity and Inclusion. But beyond the figures, WTTD 2025 was a celebration of stories, shared joy, and meaningful connections.
As we turn the page, we look ahead with hope and determination, continuing to build a world that’s a little more connected, diverse, and inclusive day by day throughout the year. Because even the smallest efforts, when made together, can create ripples that make tomorrow better than yesterday.
#TTBelongsToYou