One year ago today, Rome made history as it welcomed nearly 10,000 table tennis enthusiasts for the ITTF World Masters Championships 2024, presented by Stag Global. The Italian capital hosted the largest table tennis event ever staged, with 6,100 athletes aged between 40 and 99 from over 111 member associations competing alongside more than 2,500 accompanying persons and officials.
The championships marked several significant milestones, most notably the debut of Para table tennis at the World Masters Championships. This historic inclusion exemplified the ITTF’s commitment to “Table Tennis for All, for Life,” creating opportunities for all athletes to compete at the highest levels regardless of ability.
Among the remarkable participants was 99-year-old Yuet Yu Wa from New York City, who became the oldest competitor in the event’s history. Her inspiring journey—returning to table tennis after an 85-year hiatus and competing just months before her 100th birthday—perfectly embodied the championships’ inclusive spirit. Supported by 13 family members who travelled to Rome to celebrate her achievement, Yuet Yu Wa’s participation captured the hearts of fellow competitors and spectators alike.
The Para table tennis competition generated tremendous excitement, with local player Augusto Casciola claiming the first victory of the event. One Year On: Rome 2024 World Masters Championships – A Historic Celebration of Table Tennis for AllThe integration of Para athletes into the World Masters Championships represented table tennis’s universal appeal and accessibility.
“We are here celebrating table tennis as a sport for all and for life,” said ITTF President Petra Sörling during the opening ceremony. “Whether you are a seasoned Masters champion or a newcomer to this scene, whether you play table tennis or Para table tennis, whether you come from Rome or from another continent, you are an integral part of our family.”
The event showcased remarkable diversity, with European powerhouses Germany, Italy, and France fielding the largest delegations, whilst China, Japan, and India led the Asian contingent. Competition took place across 11 age categories, featuring men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
Beyond the sporting achievements, the championships demonstrated the powerful synergy between sport and tourism. The Italian Table Tennis Federation partnered with the University of Foro Italico and Sport Advisor SG Plus to study the event’s economic impact on the region, highlighting how major sporting events can contribute significantly to local economies whilst promoting cultural exchange.
Giovanni Malagò reflected on Italy’s hosting success: “I am happy that our country, once again, is the home of a great sporting event, confirming the vocation and tradition that have always accompanied us and push us to pursue new, important goals.”
As we commemorate this historic championship, we look forward to seeing you all again in Gangneung, Korea Republic, for the ITTF World Masters Championships 2026. More details about this exciting next chapter will be announced soon.
The legacy of Rome 2024 continues to inspire, proving that table tennis truly is a sport for all, for life.
