Oman International Table Tennis Championship Brings Together 200 Players from 34 Countries
Muscat, 13 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Table Tennis Association, will host the Oman International Contender Championship 2026 starting next Monday until 24 January 2026 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The event is organized in cooperation with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT).
Approximately 200 male and female players representing 34 countries from various continents are participating in the tournament, including Australia, the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Nepal, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye, the United States of America, Wales, Malaysia, Jordan, South Korea, alongside the Sultanate of Oman.
Through hosting this event, the Oman Table Tennis Association continues its successive successes in organizing international championships. Last year, it hosted two international tournaments, the most recent being the Oman International Contender (Star Contender category) in November, which saw the participation of approximately 240 players and received widespread international attendance and significant organizational acclaim.
Abdullah Mohammed Bamkhalif, Chairman of Oman Table Tennis Association, stated: "Oman International Contender Championship 2026 represents the opening international tournament of the current year. It serves as an extension of the great success achieved by the Star Contender Championship, which was held for the first time in the Sultanate of Oman."
He explained that the international championships hosted by the Sultanate of Oman have become officially accredited stops on the calendars of the ITTF and WTT, noting that Oman Association has become accustomed to organizing and hosting two international championships per year.
For his part, Sajjad Mohammed Al Lawati, Vice Chairman of Oman Table Tennis Association and Tournament Director, confirmed that final preparations for the championship will be completed two days before the start of the competitions, following the completion of technical, logistical, and operational readiness. This includes preparing the main hall, installing the flooring and tables, and activating additional lighting and internet services, along with other technical requirements.
He pointed out that the Association was keen to provide requirements that exceed the minimum approved standards in a step aimed at presenting a distinguished organizational edition. He emphasized that the tournament committees will work to provide the best facilities for delegations and players, contributing to the success of the event and delivering it to the highest international standards, drawing on the cumulative experience of the Association members in organizing international championships.
---Ends/AG
