As the 2023 ITTF World Veterans Championships get underway in Oman tomorrow, excitement is mounting as players from all corners of the world gather at the majestic tournament venue. Preparations are in full swing as the veterans gear up to compete in an event that promises to be nothing short of unforgettable. The stage is set, and the players are ready, the 2023 World Veterans Championships is sure to be a tournament to remember.

Everyone is overjoyed to be here in Muscat after a five-year wait. This is a special event that brings everyone together. I want to thank the Oman Table Tennis Association, and everyone involved for their hard work. Oman has emerged as one of our key partners, hosting several World Table Tennis events successfully. I am also personally very excited for the event as I will attend not only as ITTF president but also as a player and I am looking forward to returning to action and making wonderful memories together with all the participants.” – Petra Sörling

The opening ceremony is happening tomorrow, Sunday, 15 January, in attendance of His Highness Sayyid Fahar Bin Fatik Al Said, ITTF executives and other dignitaries. It will signal the start of the the 20th World Veteran Championships and sees the introduction of mixed doubles for the first-time ever.

The event will take place from Sunday, 15 January to Saturday, 21 January and will be held in the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Consisting of several age categories and 44 World Titles, this year’s World Veterans Championships will see 1,600 athletes from all over the world face off against one another.

Oman has been preparing for the World Veterans Championships for years, and they are ready to give players and fans the opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of the Sultanate of Oman.

“Promoting table tennis in the Sultanate of Oman is our most important mission. We are committed to keep working to make table tennis accessible to people of all ages and help them fall in love with it. We now have the chance to work towards our objectives while showcasing Muscat’s magnificence to the rest of the globe by hosting this year’s World Veterans Championships.” – Abduallah Mohamed Ba Makhalef, Oman Table Tennis Association President

The World Veterans Championships bring together players who continue to show their passion for table tennis from all over the world. The event not only enables veterans to maintain their participation in the sport, but also provides them the opportunity to meet one another, strengthen their bond through their shared passion and leave with pleasant memories.

Among the veterans participating, are two 90-year-olds from Japan who will be the oldest competitors in the tournament. Their dedication and passion for the sport exemplifies ITTF’s vision – Table Tennis for All, for Life.

“Sport has a very positive impact on both mental and physical health,” continued President Sörling. Through our veterans competition, the ITTF is committed to increasing the participation in safe and inclusive sports opportunities for all ages, and to contributing to a more active and healthier society.”

For more details on the event, visit the official website here.