On the opening day of the WTT Europe Smash in Malmö, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) joins fans and players in celebrating a defining moment for the sport in Europe.

The inaugural event is a landmark for elite table tennis on the continent and an important step on the road to the centenary of the ITTF World Championships in London next year. Europe last staged the ITTF World Championships in 2019, in Budapest, Hungary.

ITTF President Petra Sörling said: “Hosting the first-ever Europe Smash in Malmö is a remarkable milestone for table tennis. It reflects our sport’s global reach and Malmö’s unique diversity, a city that truly welcomes the world. This is a special opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate the sport we love, and watch the very best players compete at the highest level. For me, as someone who grew up here and first picked up a racket in this city, it is incredibly moving to see world-class table tennis take centre stage in my hometown.”

This follows a wave of inspiring European performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with players such as Sweden’s Truls Moregardh capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.

“After the Olympics it’s definitely one of the biggest, if not the biggest, sports in Sweden, in terms of how many players are playing again,” said Moregardh. “So many younger players and older people are playing table tennis again, it’s really hyped in Sweden! But of course, (the popularity) leans on big results still and I always need to keep up a good performance.”

Until 24 August, Moregardh and the Swedish squad will take on the world’s best players at the Malmö Arena, with fans set to witness world-class action in an electric atmosphere.

Steve Dainton, ITTF Group CEO, said: “Sweden is synonymous with table tennis greatness, and hosting Europe Smash in Malmö is a tribute to both the legends of the past and the rising stars of today. Moreover, Europe Smash – Sweden 2025 completes our WTT Grand Smash lineup, bringing table tennis’ pinnacle events to four unique locations around the world. We can’t wait to see the world’s best players take to the stage in Malmö next August.”

Europe Smash is the latest inaugural Smash event to join the WTT Series, following Singapore Smash in 2023, China Smash in 2024, and US Smash earlier this year.

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