Durban City gears up to host World Table Tennis Championship Finals
It will be the first time in over 80 years that the event will be held on African soil.
THE International Table Tennis Federation (ITFF) World Table Tennis Championship Finals is returning to Africa for the first time since Egypt in 1939, and Durban has been gearing up to host this year’s edition of the event. The championships will take place from May 20 to May 28 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and will feature top players from around the world.
Excitement is mounting in Durban as the city prepares to host the event. The ITTF’s decision to hold the event in Durban is a testament to its commitment to the global development of table tennis. According to the federation, the event will be a landmark event in the history of table tennis, as it marks the first time in over 80 years that the event will be held on African soil.
“The vibrant culture of South Africa will add a new and thrilling dimension to the tournament. Durban will be a sensory feast. In addition to the top-notch table tennis action, players and fans will also be able to get a taste of the local culture, traditions and atmosphere. The event’s spirit will undoubtedly shine through, making it truly unique,” said the ITTF.
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The federation added that the event is part of continuous efforts to develop and spread the game all around the world.
“Players and fans alike can look forward to an experience like no other. The South African Table Tennis Board shares this commitment to getting more people involved in the sport. As the event approaches, Durban is ready to welcome the world with open arms, whether you are a seasoned player or just a fan of the sport,” it said on the ITTF website.
The South African Table Tennis Board unveiled the official mascot, Takuma, for the ITTF World Championships Finals 2023 on February 27. ITTF said Takuma’s strength and spirit embody the best of African culture and creativity, inspiring players and fans from all over the world. It said the hippo is set to make waves and become an iconic symbol of the event.
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“We are thrilled to see the unveiling of Takuma as the official mascot for the ITTF World Championships Finals 2023. Mascots have a special ability to engage and excite audiences, especially younger fans, and we believe that Takuma will serve as a great ambassador for table tennis in South Africa and around the world. We hope that Takuma’s presence will help us to attract more young people to the sport and inspire a new generation of table tennis players,” said Petra Sorling, ITTF President.
Takuma was designed by Tumelo Nkoana, a 13-year-old from Mogogelo Village north of Pretoria, who won a nationwide competition to select a mascot for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2013, beating over 180 other entries. Since then, Takuma has become the mascot for all sports in South Africa.
Tickets for the World Tennis Championship Finals will be available soon, starting from R50, allowing table tennis fans from all over the world to come and see the best players in action. More details on ticketing will be announced soon. For more information, visit https://worldtabletennis.com/home
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