Table tennis belongs to everyone: Wrapping up World Table Tennis Day 2025

For the second consecutive year, WTTD 2025 championed the spirit that table tennis transcends age, ability, background, and borders—and this year, the message of #TTBelongsToYou echoed louder than ever around the globe.

On 23 April, World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) once again united people around ONE table, celebrating the joy of the sport and reinforcing the values of Diversity and Inclusion. For the second consecutive year, WTTD 2025 championed the spirit that table tennis transcends age, ability, background, and borders—and this year, the message of #TTBelongsToYou echoed louder than ever around the globe.

A Growing global movement

This year, the WTTD global celebration reached amazing heights, with over 820 events across a record-breaking 143 countries and territories, surpassing last year’s already impressive figures of 812 events in 121 countries. It is delighting to see more than 20 additional countries and territories join the festivities, with four new participating countries—Benin, Dominica W.I., Equatorial Guinea, and Gambia—celebrating WTTD for the first time. This growth highlights the expanding global impact of the celebration.

From mixed-team tournaments and virtual reality experiences to activities in schoolyards, parks, community centres, and even historic landmarks, the creativity and diversity of celebrations grew more vibrant.

Each event uniquely reflected the connection, inclusivity, and positive change that table tennis can bring to people and different cultural contexts around the world.

Every racket swung, every smile shared, and every story told was a celebration of unity in diversity.

Spotlight on Kenya: The main celebration event

WTTD 2025 beat strongly in Nairobi, Kenya, where the ITTF Foundation hosted the WTTD main celebration event in partnership with Vision Changers Kenya, a Dream Building Fund project partner.

Held at the historic Nairobi City Hall, the celebration brought together youth, sport leaders, local communities, national federation representatives, and international guests.

"World Table Tennis Day is about celebrating the people behind the sport and the power of table tennis to bring communities together," said ITTF and ITTF Foundation President Petra Sörling. "Diversity and inclusion are not just themes for one day. They are values we must live by, every day."

The event featured inclusive mixed doubles tournaments, vibrant cultural performances, and a thought-provoking panel discussion on Diversity and Inclusion, building on last year’s successful format in Leipzig (watch last year’s roundtable recording here).

The panel discussion brought together key stakeholders, including Petra Sörling (IOC member, ITTF & ITTF Foundation President), Andrew Mudibo (Kenya Table Tennis Association President), John Baraza (Nairobi County Assistant Director of Sport), Titus Oketch (Vision Changers Kenya Executive Director), and Habib Omar (Youth leader, Kariobangi North project beneficiary). The conversation focused on the role of stakeholders in advancing inclusion through sport, exploring how table tennis can foster engagement, community cohesion, and social transformation at different levels.

From meaningful dialogue to interactive matches with the public, the Kenya event was a vibrant display of how table tennis can build bridges, empower communities, and inspire inclusive change.

32 promoters spreading ONE message

From January to 23 April, 32 dedicated WTTD Promoters from 28 countries and territories, supported by the ITTF Foundation, led the change and brought the celebration to life in their communities.

These passionate individuals, coming from diverse cultural, social, and professional backgrounds, organised events that ranged from inclusive competitions and intergenerational matches in nursing homes to virtual reality experiences for individuals with limited mobility.

Their collaborations with schools, cultural centres, and disability associations further expanded participation and reach.

Together, these incredible efforts have illustrated the various meanings of Diversity and Inclusion across different regions and cultural backgrounds and showcased the boundless creativity and commitment of the global table tennis community.

Thank You for celebrating with us!

WTTD 2025 was a true testament to the universal power of table tennis and to the passion of those who believe in it. Whether you hosted an event, joined a local celebration, or cheered online, thank you for making this day so special!

However, the celebration doesn’t end here:

• You’ve celebrated WTTD but still need to register your event? You can do it here
• Upload your event highlights by 23 May (click here) to be featured in our global showcase
• Explore the global celebration map and see how the world celebrated (click here)
• Follow @ITTF Foundation on social media to continue engaging and keep the WTTD momentum going all year long.

Until next year, keep playing, keep sharing, and keep spreading the joy of table tennis. Because #TTBelongsToYou – and to everyone!

World Table Tennis Day is a yearly celebration of table tennis on 23 April. It aims to share the joy of playing table tennis, bring people together and raise awareness on specific themes linked with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The theme for 2024 & 2025 is Diversity and Inclusion. We would like to promote our love for table tennis and share it with everyone.