22 Nations confirm for Bhubaneswar TT showdown

Bhubaneswar is gearing up to host one of Asia’s biggest table tennis showdowns, as 22 nations lock in their participation for the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships, scheduled from October 11 to 15 at the iconic Kalinga Stadium.

This will be the first time Odisha stages an Asian-level table tennis event, making it a landmark moment for the state’s growing sporting profile. More than 500 participants, including 450 players, coaches and staff, alongside 70–80 officials from the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU), are expected to descend on the city.

The championships are returning to India after a gap of 16 years, bringing with them the promise of fierce rivalries. Asia continues to dominate world table tennis, and the tournament will feature heavyweights China, Japan and Korea, each fielding 10-member men’s and women’s squads with large support contingents. For them, Bhubaneswar is a crucial stop in their build-up to the 2026 World Team Championships in London.

For teams from Central, South-East and West Asia, the event provides a golden opportunity. With 12 qualification slots available in both men’s and women’s draws, the battle beyond the top three is expected to be intense.

The ATTU Executive Board will also convene in Bhubaneswar on October 13 to map future growth plans for the sport across Asia.