On the day the host nation made its first appearance in the 2022 ITTF World Team Championships Finals Chengdu presented by China Telecom, at a press conference organised by the ITTF alongside partners, the universal response from all quarters was high marks for an unprecedented event.

“It is a pleasure to be here in the capital of Sichuan province, a pleasure to be in the company of so many for whom table tennis is so dear to the heart,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling. “In this splendid venue, you have made the impossible possible; other than the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are here at the only international sporting event to be staged this year in China! That fact sends a clear message, if the spirit is willing, you find solutions.”

Every participant praised the organisers for the services level and attention to details in the face of the most challenging circumstances; all expressed their confidence in the successful delivery of the event from the first ball being hit to the trophies presented.

“I am sure that the first-class competition conditions and the cordial and thoughtful hospitality services have already impressed everyone. This is a special World Table Tennis Championships, and it is not easy to have a successfully delivery. It is precisely because of this that it can be seen from everyone’s performance that every athlete who comes to participate in the event cherishes such an opportunity.” Liu Guoliang, ITTF Executive Vice President and President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association

The ITTF presented a gift to the Chinese Table Tennis Association to congratulate and thank the organisation on the hosting of the historic World Championships.

ITTF Group CEO, Steve Dainton, made an inspection visit of the venue and met with the teams of the Local Organising Committee, thanking them for their tremendous efforts and hard work.

Dainton concluded:

“New standards in every respect are on display, showing our sport to be exciting, vibrant and dynamic. I am sure we will increase the number of table tennis fans and will leave everyone wanting more table tennis action. The 2022 ITTF World Team Championships will be an unprecedented success.”