CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

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Qatar’s milestone table tennis event

Published: 06 Apr 2025 - 08:30 am | Last Updated: 06 Apr 2025 - 08:30 am

In the years following its spectacular hosting of the FIFA World Cup, Qatar continues to solidify its reputation as the premier hub of international sports. With the return of the World Table Tennis Championships in 2025, Doha is once again poised to capture the global spotlight, reaffirming its commitment to the world of sports. This event, a significant milestone for Qatar, marks the second time the country has hosted this prestigious tournament, making it the only Middle Eastern nation to do so. Qatar’s strategic investment in world-class sports infrastructure, its impeccable organisational expertise and its unwavering ambition to host top-tier events have elevated the country’s status as a global sporting destination. When Qatar first hosted the World Table Tennis Championships in 2004, it made history as the first Arab nation to hold such an event. Now, two decades later, the country is set to repeat this historic achievement with the event taking place from May 17 to 25.  The upcoming World Table Tennis Championships will be held at two of Qatar’s premier venues, Lusail Hall and Qatar University Hall, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest standards for both athletes and spectators. Qatar’s commitment to delivering world-class events is evident in its meticulous preparations. According to a recent statement by Thani Al Zarraa, a member of the Qatar Table Tennis Federation’s Board of Directors, nearly 90 percent of the tournament’s preparation is complete, with five-star hotels selected for the delegations and transportation arrangements in place for a seamless experience. For Qatar, hosting the World Table Tennis Championships is more than just a sporting event; it is an affirmation of its ability to organise large-scale international competitions. The Qatar Table Tennis Federation has hosted multiple international tournaments in recent months, serving as valuable rehearsals for the forthcoming grand event. This experience, along with Qatar’s proven track record of success, positions the nation as a leader in sports hospitality and management. As the excitement builds for the tournament, it’s clear that Qatar’s sporting ambition is not just about one-off events; it’s about fostering a long-term legacy. With each major event, Qatar continues to shape its future as a central player in the global sports community. This tournament will not be the only major event in Qatar’s 2025 sporting calendar. Later this year, Doha will also host the FIFA U-17 World Cup in November to be followed by the FIFA Arab Cup in December. These events, combined with the table tennis championships, reflect Qatar’s growing influence in the world of sport.