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Bhubaneswar: In a first, Odisha will stage the prestigious ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships next month.

The 28th edition of the championship will be held at the Athletics Centre of Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium from October 11 to 15.

Jointly organised with the support of International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU), Odisha Table Tennis Association, and Odisha government’s Sports & Youth Services Department, the tournament will bring together the top teams and talents from Asia.

Hosts India apart, teams from China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau-China, Bangladesh, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Uzbekistan will vie for glory in the five-day competition.

Around 500 players and support staff from 22 countries will compete in men’s and women’s team events.

The top finishers will qualify for the ITTF World Table Tennis Team Championships 2026, scheduled to be held in London.

“It is a matter of pride and honour that Odisha is hosting the Asian Table Tennis Team Championships for the very first time. The Sports and Youth Services Department is ensuring all preparations for the smooth conduct of the event, from world-class infrastructure to accommodation, hospitality, and security for the players,” Sports minister Suryabanshi Suraj said at a press conference on Thursday.

TTFI president Kamlesh Mehta expressed confidence that Odisha will host the Asian Team championship successfully.

“Odisha has carved out a special place for itself in sports excellence at the international level,” said the eight-time national champion Mehta.

Simultaneous tournaments

Suraj informed that Odisha will also host the 40th National Junior Athletics Championships at Kalinga Stadium from October 10 to 14, and the ITF Masters 100 Tennis Tournament in Bhubaneswar from October 11 to 15.

“Hosting three national and international sporting events simultaneously is a testament to our commitment to sports and sportspersons. The Asian Table Tennis Team Championships will inspire table tennis talents across the country and Odisha,” the Sports minister added.