A press conference for the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2024 Presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group took place at the Galaxy International Convention Center in Macao, China. The event, scheduled from April 15th to 21st at the renowned Macao Galaxy Arena, promises an unparalleled experience for table tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
Macao’s Galaxy Arena, acclaimed as one of Asia’s premier indoor venues, will host this prestigious tournament, boasting state-of-the-art technological amenities to elevate the spectator experience to unprecedented heights.
At the press conference, Mounir Bessah, Deputy Secretary General of ITTF, together with Mr. Pun Wen Kun, President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, marked a significant moment as they ceremonially passed the World Cup flag, symbolizing the official commencement of the event’s preparations.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mounir Bessah remarked, “Today is an important day for the table tennis community, and we are proud to announce the return of the Men’s and Women’s World Cups! For many years, Macao, China has been open to table tennis and has successfully hosted many famous WTT events. Players are looking forward to going to Macao, which has world-class facilities and provides an excellent experience for all participants and spectators. Thank you to the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and the Macao Sports Bureau for their strong support of table tennis. We are sure that Macao, China will once again demonstrate its ability to host the highest level table tennis events.
In response, Pun Weng Kun, President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, affirmed Macao’s readiness and excitement to host the event. He stated, “In the past few years, WTT has held multiple large-scale international table tennis events in Macao, which have been welcomed by local residents and tourists, leading to a wave of table tennis fever. Macao has been authorized to host the World Cup for the first time, which is enough to prove the trust and recognition of the International Table Tennis Federation in Macao’s ability to host large-scale international events. The International Table Tennis Federation World Cup is known as one of the three major events in the international table tennis world, and all participating players will definitely do their best to win. It is foreseeable that each event will be very exciting. I believe that every fan will be like me, looking forward to the arrival of the event.”
Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group, highlighted the significance of bringing the World Cup to Macao, stating, “Table tennis has always been one of the most popular sports, with great attention and appeal in the international sports world.” As one of the three major table tennis events in the world, the ITTF World Cup has arrived in Macao for the first time after its restart. It not only adds a more international benchmark level bright business card to the development of Macao’s sports industry, but also marks the first global top-level international table tennis event welcomed by our latest property, the Macao Galaxy Arena, with profound significance.”
In a video message, Petra Sörling, President of the ITTF, alongside Liu Guoliang, ITTF Deputy President and Chairman of World Table Tennis, and Steve Dainton, ITTF Group CEO, extended their gratitude to the Macao SAR government and the Sports Bureau for their unwavering support, expressing confidence in the event’s success.
The forthcoming World Cup will witness a notable expansion, with 48 players competing, including qualifiers from continental cups, world rankings, defending champions, and ITTF World Youth Championships U19 winners. This inclusive approach aims to provide opportunities for both seasoned athletes and emerging talents, embodying the ITTF’s commitment to fostering global participation in table tennis.
Furthermore, the competition’s format will feature a dynamic mix of round-robin matches followed by knockout stages, ensuring riveting gameplay and intense competition throughout.
With preparations in full swing, the ITTF Singles World Cups in Macao promise to captivate audiences worldwide, underscoring the organization’s dedication to preserving and innovating upon the prestigious legacy of the sport. As the world eagerly awaits the tournament’s commencement, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a historic event in the realm of international table tennis.