ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships to feature gender parity

The ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships 2026 will make history when 165 male and 165 female athletes compete in Pattaya, Thailand, from 23-29 November, marking the first time the World Championships in Para table tennis feature the same number of male and female athletes.

The milestone coincides with the International Table Tennis Federation’s centenary celebrations, creating what promises to be a special World Championships. The seven-day Worlds will feature 37 medal events across singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions, spanning wheelchair (classes 1-5), standing (classes 6-10), and intellectual impairment (class 11) categories.

For the first time in the championship’s history, male and female athletes will have equal representation at the sport’s pinnacle event.

Thailand’s selection as host reflects their exceptional contribution to Para table tennis development. Since Rungroj Thainiyom’s breakthrough gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games sparked the nation’s Para table tennis revolution, Thailand has consistently demonstrated world-class hosting capabilities.

Recent successes, including the ITTF Paralympic World Singles Qualification Tournament 2024 in Pattaya and multiple Para Circuit events, have proven Thailand’s ability to deliver competitions of the highest standard. The nation’s passionate support and renowned hospitality provide the perfect backdrop for this historic celebration.

The World Para Championships, held every four years since 1990, have grown to become one of the sport’s most prestigious gatherings. The ninth edition promises to be the most significant yet.

Learn more about Pattaya 2026

The championship structure ensures comprehensive medal opportunities:

- Singles events: 10 male and 10 female events (Classes 1, 2, 3, 4-5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11)

- Doubles competition: Five male events (MD4, MD8, MD14, MD18, MD22) and five female events (WD5, WD10, WD14, WD20, WD22) utilise innovative class combination systems.

- Mixed Doubles: Seven events (XD4, XD7, XD10, XD14, XD17, XD20, XD22) celebrate the sport’s inclusive nature.

Athletes will earn their places through a comprehensive five-tier system:

- Continental Championships – Winners from 2025 championships in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania

- World Rankings – Top-ranked players who haven’t already qualified

- Under-23 Development – Best young players to encourage future stars

- Doubles Specialists – Top-ranked doubles pairs earn separate qualification

- Invitations – Additional places to ensure all events have enough competitors

For more information, please visit the ITTF website

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