The Lusail Sports Arena in Doha, Qatar, was the stage of the opening ceremony marking the official commencement of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2025. This event signifies a historic moment as Doha hosts the Championships for the second time, two decades after its initial hosting in 2004.
In her opening address, ITTF President Petra Sörling celebrated the history of the event, “Ninety-nine years of World Championships. What a legacy. Crafted by players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters on every continent. Safeguarding that legacy and continuing to advance table our sport is our collective responsibility.”
“In recent years, table tennis has accelerated at remarkable pace. We have strengthened our global presence and built unprecedented momentum. This is only the beginning and our commitment remains clear: to keep table tennis ahead.”
ITTF Executive Vice President and President of Qatar Table Tennis Association, Mr. Khalil Al-Mohannadi, also welcomed participants: “It is with great honour and heartfelt joy that I extend to you a warm welcome from Doha — the capital of sport and a global gathering place — as we inaugurate the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships.”
“This distinguished championship returns to the land of Qatar after more than two decades. Yet it returns transformed — with renewed maturity and readiness — to a nation that has embraced sport as a language of unity, and whose commitment to excellence in organization is steadfast and proven.”
The event celebrated the sport of table tennis community, bringing together athletes, officials, and fans from around the world. The oaths of the players and match officials followed, with Qatar’s Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz.
The ceremony continued with a vibrant display of Qatari culture, featuring traditional music and dance performances that captivated the audience.
Ultimately, the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals 2025 were declared open by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani.
