A Century of Table Tennis: Para Athletes at the Forefront

The 2026 season isn’t merely another year on the calendar; it represents a pivotal moment for Para table tennis, deeply interwoven with the ITTF’s historic centenary. The organization’s commitment to Para sport development is clearly reflected in the continued success of the three-tier circuit structure – Future, Challenger, and Elite – which provides a robust pathway for athletes of all levels to progress and compete.

The Elite series, the pinnacle of competition, will feature five strategically placed tournaments. The circuit kicks off in Lasko, Slovenia (May 11-15) and Taipei City, Chinese Taipei (May 17-21), followed by events in Beijing, China (June 24-28), Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand (July 18-22), and culminating in Yvelines, France (October 29 – November 2). These events provide invaluable high-level competition for the world’s top Para table tennis players as they prepare for the World Championships.

Six Challenger events will offer crucial development opportunities and ranking points. The Challenger circuit begins with back-to-back tournaments in Wladyslawowo, Poland (March 11-14) and Lignano, Italy (March 18-21). Further Challenger events are scheduled for São Paulo, Brazil (April 23-26), Podgorica, Montenegro (April 29 – May 3), Lasko, Slovenia (May 5-9), and Kefalonia, Greece (October 12-15).

Accessibility for developing athletes is paramount, and the nine Future tournaments across five continents ensure a broad base of participation. The season begins in Gold Coast, Australia (February 16-18), followed by events in Costa Brava, Spain (March 26-29), Yalova, Turkey (April 2-5), and a South American swing featuring Santiago, Chile (April 14-16) and Buenos Aires, Argentina (April 18-20). The European summer will see action in Amman, Jordan (June 4-6) and Ostrava, Czech Republic (June 18-20), while Asia hosts a tournament in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand (July 13-16). The Future series concludes in Lahti, Finland (August 28-30).

The 2026 World Para Table Tennis Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, represent the culmination of the season’s efforts. This edition is particularly significant, coinciding with the ITTF’s centenary and marking the first time the championships will feature complete gender equality, with 165 male and 165 female athletes competing. This milestone underscores the sport’s evolution towards inclusivity and excellence.

The geographic diversity of the 2026 calendar – spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania – ensures that athletes from all regions have ample opportunities to compete and earn crucial ranking points. The ranking system, based on athletes’ top six results over the past year, rewards consistent performance throughout the season.

Thailand’s role as host is particularly noteworthy, with Nakhon Ratchasima hosting both a Future and Elite event in July, providing ideal preparation for the World Championships later in the year. This demonstrates Thailand’s organizational capabilities and offers athletes valuable experience competing in the championship venue.

The success of the revamped circuit in 2025 has laid a strong foundation for 2026. The three-tier structure, transparent rankings, and points system have fostered a growth-oriented environment and encouraged consistent participation.

What impact do you think complete gender equality will have on the competitive landscape of Para table tennis? And how will the expanded global circuit influence the development of emerging talent?

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Para Table Tennis Circuit