As the countdown to the event continues, excitement is building amongst players and fans alike. Today, another milestone was reached as the highly coveted trophies for the World Championships were unveiled at the 50 Day Countdown event that happened at the KwaMashu Sports Centre. A senior ITTF delegation led by ITTF Group CEO, Steve Dainton, was present at the event as part of an inspection visit to support and advise the Local Organising Committee on the final stages of preparation before hosting the table tennis family in May.

But it’s not just the high-level competition that’s generating buzz. This year’s event will mark a significant milestone in the history of the sport, as it has been over eight decades since the event was last held on African soil. The last time the event was held in the continent was in 1939, in Cairo, Egypt. With the vibrant and diverse culture of South Africa on display, players and fans can expect a truly unique experience that goes beyond just the game.

Today, another milestone was reached as the highly coveted trophies for the World Championships were unveiled at the 50 Day Countdown event that happened at the KwaMashu Sports Centre.

Each trophy has its own rich history, with donors who were deeply passionate about the sport and its players. These prestigious trophies have been hoisted high by the champions of champions, the elite of our sport.

As the world prepares for this momentous event, the ITTF’s commitment to promoting and developing table tennis globally has never been stronger. This event serves as a testament to the sport’s growing popularity and the endless possibilities for its future and Durban is ready to welcome the world with open arms.

The ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2023 will take place from 20 to 28 May 2023. It will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre, offering men’s and women’s singles, as well as men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles events. For eight days, 128 singles players and 64 doubles pairs will participate in a knockout competition, with the aim of being crowned the world champions in their respective categories.