BHUBANESWAR, India – With the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships set to kick off tomorrow, key officials gathered today at the Kalinga Stadium for a press conference to unveil major developments for the sport across the continent. The event, which runs from October 11-15, will see Asia's top teams compete for the coveted title and for qualification spots at the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships.
Present at the conference were Sheikha Hayat ALKHALIFA, the Acting Regional Vice-President for West Asia of the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU); Mr. Suryabanshi Suraj, the Honourable Minister of Sports & Youth Services for the Government of Odisha; and Mr. Sharath Kamal Achanta, a member of the ITTF Executive Board and a celebrated figure in Indian table tennis.
Sheikha Hayat, speaking on behalf of ATTU President Mr. Khalil Almohannadi, emphasized the union's commitment to expanding the sport's reach. She announced a series of landmark decisions, including the upcoming championships in Uzbekistan in 2026 and, in a historic first, the 2028 Asian Championships in DPR Korea. To ensure the highest standards, DPR Korea will also host the Asian Youth Championships in 2026 as a preparatory event.
"Since Mr. Khalil Almohannadi assumed the presidency of the ATTU, his vision has been clear: to unite Asia through table tennis and ensure that the honor of hosting our premier events is shared across the entire continent," stated Sheikha Hayat. "We are proud to see this vision becoming a reality."
In a move to elevate the prestige of Asian table tennis, Sheikha Hayat also revealed a significant financial boost for athletes. The prize money for the Asian Cup has been quadrupled from $100,000 to $400,000, starting with the 2025 edition in Shenzhen, China. This initiative has already generated substantial interest, with nine other cities bidding to host the 2026 event under the new prize money structure.
Mr. Suryabanshi Suraj, Odisha's Sports Minister, expressed his pride in the state's growing capacity to host major international tournaments. He highlighted that the 40th Junior National Athletics Championships are running concurrently at the same venue, showcasing Odisha's capability in managing large-scale sporting events. "It’s a matter of pride that we can conduct two big events within the same period," he said. "This will enhance our experience in hosting multiple sporting events simultaneously."
Indian table tennis legend and ITTF Executive Board member, Sharath Kamal Achanta, also shared his excitement for the championships and the positive developments within the sport. His presence underscored the importance of the event for the Indian and broader Asian table tennis community.
The press conference concluded with a sense of optimism for the future of table tennis in Asia. The initiatives announced today—expanding to new territories, increasing financial rewards for players, and investing in youth through the ATTU Academy—signal a new era of growth and professionalism for the sport on the continent.
