The Bay of Plenty, New Zealand is set to stage one of the largest sporting events in the region when the WSF Men’s World Team Championships take place in Tauranga at the end of the year.

Twenty-four teams have been confirmed for this December’s event at Mercury Baypark Arena, and the Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre, Tauranga, from December 11-17. The last time the Kiwis held the event came in 1983.

The biennial event hasn’t been played since 2019 due to the pandemic, while the large entries from competing nations for the 2023 event is set to bring in a host of economic benefits to New Zealand and, say organisers, around 4,000 visitors.

This year’s event will see the Philippines make their debut, while Brazil return for the first time since 1997, with Japan and the Netherlands competing for the first time since 2013. 

Tauranga has emerged in recent years as a hotbed of top-class squash, with last year’s ‘Festival of Squash’ well received by squash fans around the world.

“I’m really stoked to get the chance to play this tournament at home,” said world number five Paul Coll.

“Most of the top 10 male players in the world will be competing so there will be a really high level of aggressive squash on display. It’s always a really fun tournament and it’s great to watch so I’m sure we’re going to have a great crowd cheering us on.”

Tourism Bay of Plenty General Manager Oscar Nathan says the world championship offers a fantastic incentive for players and their supporters to travel to the Coastal Bay of Plenty.

“We know that they’ll enjoy the outstanding competition venue and I’m sure they’ll want to make the most of what our region has to offer whenever they take a break away from the courts.  

“This will give our local economy a significant boost, with positive flow-on effects for accommodation, hospitality, retail, and tourism operators. It will also give our region valuable exposure through the championship’s global media coverage,” he says. 

2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championship entries:

Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, China, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland, USA, Wales

Tickets for the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championship go on pre-sale on 4 July. Fans wanting to attend can do so by visiting www.festivalofsquash.co.nz