Doha: Chairman of the Media and Communication Committee of the World Table Tennis Championship Doha 2025, Thani Al Zarraa, emphasized Qatar's readiness to present an exceptional and unique edition of the World Championships in Doha. The event will be held at Lusail and Qatar University halls from May 17-25, with the participation of 640 players, including 256 players in singles competitions, 256 in men's and women's doubles, and 128 in mixed doubles, totaling 443 matches.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Zarraa mentioned that the committee is nearing completion of the final preparations for the World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025. All logistical arrangements are finalized, including accommodations for delegations, guests, players, and spectators, alongside transportation and equipment for Lusail Hall and Qatar University Hall. The preliminary round matches will be hosted at Qatar University Hall for the first four days, while Lusail Hall will accommodate some preliminary rounds and all final rounds until the tournament's conclusion.
Al Zarraa expressed surprise at the high demand for tickets from fans worldwide, noting that tickets for the last five days and final rounds of the tournament are sold out on the official ticket sales website (Q.Ticket). Plans are underway to release more tickets for the final rounds. Special hotel packages are also available at reduced rates for international fans, with transportation arranged from hotels to the event venues, either by bus or metro.
He highlighted significant media interest, with 260 international media personnel registered with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to cover the event, alongside local media. The competitions will be broadcast live on multiple channels, including Qatari Al Kass Channel, Tokyo Channel, China Channel, and four European channels currently negotiating broadcast rights.
For the opening ceremony, Al Zarraa revealed plans for a surprise presentation, a first for world championships in this sport, featuring a half-hour ceremony intended to captivate audiences present and watching on television.
Additional events include the 17th ITTF Sports Science Congress at Aspetar Hospital on May 15-16, bringing together sports science experts to discuss advancements in sports medicine. The ITTF Summit 2025 from May 2-26 and the ITTF Annual General Meeting on May 27 will also occur, where the ITTF President for 2029 will be elected, with hopes for Khalil Al Mohannadi to represent Qatar successfully.
Al Zarraa noted that the 2025 Doha World Championship will serve as ITTF's final rehearsal before the centennial of the first World Championship in 1926 at Wembley Stadium in 2026.
Team Qatar will compete with five male and female players: Mohammed Abdulwahab, Abdullah Abdulwahab, Sultan Al Kuwari, Ahmed Eid, Rawad Al Nasser, Aya Magdy, and Maryam Ali. Their participation will enhance their skills and offer a chance to compete with international stars.
He announced the arrival of participating delegations in Doha starting May 12, with team China arriving first. All teams will be in Doha by May 15. Training halls will be available immediately, located at Lusail Hall and Qatar University Hall. An Asian training camp, hosted by Aspire Academy from May 14-19, will feature youth and junior players from various countries.
Al Zarraa expressed hopes for diverse champions from various countries at the tournament's conclusion and for new victories from different continents. He reported that inspection tours since 2024 received positive feedback from the ITTF, with no regulatory issues noted.
Concluding his interview with QNA, Al Zarraa stated that Qatar is the first Arab and Gulf country to host the World Championship twice, following the first in 2004. Qatar possesses world-class sports facilities and administrative expertise, ensuring successful international sporting events. He affirmed Qatar's readiness to surpass the 2004 edition.
Qatar was selected to host the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships after earning the trust of the ITTF General Assembly and Executive Office members during the vote in Amman, Jordan, in December 2022, securing 57 votes against 39 for Alicante, Spain.