Doha, Qatar – In a monumental decision for table tennis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been selected to host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2029, marking the first time the sport’s premier event will be held on South American soil. The announcement, made during the ITTF Annual General Meeting in Doha, Qatar, is a testament to Brazil’s strategic bidding and growing influence in the global table tennis community.
This landmark selection ushers in a new era for table tennis in South America, a continent renowned for its profound sporting passion and burgeoning table tennis development. Rio de Janeiro’s successful bid not only opens new frontiers for the sport but also leverages Brazil’s rich sporting heritage and demonstrated capability to deliver world-class events, as showcased during the 2016 Olympic Games.
The ITTF’s choice of Rio underscores its commitment to a truly global championship hosting strategy, aiming to reach new audiences and provide South American players with an unparalleled opportunity to compete at the highest level in front of a home crowd.
Brazil’s journey to securing the 2029 championships highlighted a shrewd and collaborative bidding strategy. Initially vying for the 2027 edition, Brazil thoughtfully withdrew its bid during the Doha summit to back Kazakhstan’s candidacy, allowing Brazil to consolidate its resources and support for the 2029 hosting rights. This cooperative approach within the international table tennis community fostered valuable relationships and demonstrated Brazil’s long-term vision for the sport’s global expansion.
During their compelling bid presentation, Brazilian representatives emphasized Rio de Janeiro’s unique blend of world-class sporting infrastructure, vibrant cultural ambiance, and extensive experience in staging major international events. The city’s proven track record positions it as the ideal host for an unforgettable championship experience.
Rio’s infectious energy and deep-seated passion for sport are poised to create an atmosphere unlike any previous World Championships. The 2029 event promises to infuse the premier table tennis spectacle with a distinctive South American flair while upholding the rigorous standards expected of a world championship.
Beyond the competition, the 2029 championships in Rio de Janeiro are anticipated to serve as a powerful catalyst for table tennis development across South America. By hosting the world’s elite players and teams, the event will undoubtedly inspire local athletes and significantly elevate the sport’s profile throughout the continent.
Brazil’s hosting rights complete a remarkable global tour for the ITTF World Championships Finals, moving from Central Asia (Astana, Kazakhstan 2027) to East Asia (Fukuoka, Japan 2028), and now to South America (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2029). This progression truly embodies the international character and expanding reach of table tennis.
Rio 2029 is set to be a transformative event for table tennis in the Americas and beyond, blending Brazil’s celebrated sporting culture with the pinnacle of table tennis excellence amidst the city’s natural beauty and passionate sporting spirit.
