Oman Continues Hosting Major International Table Tennis Events

Oman International Contender Championship Attracts Players from 34 Countries

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Oman Table Tennis Association, will host the Oman International Contender Championship 2026 starting next Monday and continuing until 24 January 2026 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

The championship is organized in cooperation with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT), and will feature the participation of around 200 male and female players representing 34 countries from different continents.

Participating countries include Australia, the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Nepal, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye, the United States of America, Wales, Malaysia, Jordan, South Korea, in addition to the Sultanate of Oman.

By hosting this championship, the Oman Table Tennis Association continues its successful record in organizing international tournaments. In 2025, the Association hosted two international events, the most recent being the Oman International Contender (Star Contender category) in November, which attracted approximately 240 players and received wide international participation and positive organizational assessments.

Abdullah Mohammed Bamkhalif, Chairman of the Oman Table Tennis Association, stated that the Oman International Contender Championship 2026 marks the first international tournament of the current year and builds on the success of the Star Contender Championship, which was held in the Sultanate of Oman for the first time.

He noted that international table tennis events hosted by Oman have become accredited fixtures on the calendars of the ITTF and WTT, adding that the Association now regularly organizes two international championships each year.

Meanwhile, Sajjad Mohammed Al Lawati, Vice Chairman of the Oman Table Tennis Association and Tournament Director, confirmed that final preparations for the championship will be completed two days before the start of competition. These include technical, logistical, and operational readiness, such as preparing the main hall, installing flooring and tables, and enhancing lighting and internet services.

Al Lawati stated that the Association aims to exceed minimum international requirements in order to deliver a high-standard organizational edition. He added that tournament committees will provide comprehensive support for participating delegations and players, contributing to the overall success of the event and reflecting the Association’s accumulated experience in hosting international championships.