As Sweden prepares to welcome the first-ever WTT Grand Smash held in Europe, the Swedish Table Tennis Association (SBTF) has delivered a record-breaking event designed to boost girls’ and women’s participation in the sport.

For the third year running, the much-loved Ping Pong Power Girls’ Festival returned to the iconic Halmstad Arena, famously the stage of the 2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships. This year’s edition, held from 8-12 August 2025, brought together 167 girls and women from across Sweden – a new attendance record – in a vibrant celebration of table tennis, friendship, and fun.

From the youngest player at just seven years old to the most experienced at 78, the Festival proved that table tennis truly knows no age limits. Across four days, participants of all skill levels enjoyed a dynamic mix of training, friendly competition, and social activities spread across three buzzing halls, with 80 tables in constant action.

The Festival is part of the SBTF’s Ping Pong Power initiative, specifically the Tjejraketen programme, which focuses on increasing opportunities for women and girls in table tennis. Led by SBTF Development Strategist Maria Christoforaki, the event featured an outstanding coaching team with strong female representation, and welcomed ITTF President Petra Sörling and ETTU Deputy Secretary General Galia Dvorak to witness the action.

The energy in Halmstad reflected the growing table tennis fever across Sweden as the world’s best players head to Malmö for Europe Smash, the historic first WTT Grand Smash event on European soil taking place from 14–24 August at Malmö Arena.

Fans can secure their tickets now!