Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Oman Table Tennis Association, is set to host the Oman International Contender Championship 2026, commencing next Monday and running until January 24, 2026, at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. This event is organized in collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT).
According to Oman News Agency, around 200 male and female athletes from 34 countries across various continents will compete in the tournament. Participating nations 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, Trkiye, the United States of America, Wales, Malaysia, Jordan, South Korea, and the host nation, Oman.
The Oman Table Tennis Association continues its history of organizing international events with this championship. Last year, it successfully hosted two major tournaments, including the Oman International Contender in November, which attracted approximately 240 players and garnered substantial international attention and praise.
Abdullah Mohammed Bamkhalif, Chairman of the Oman Table Tennis Association, expressed that the 2026 championship marks the opening of the international tournament calendar for the year. He mentioned that the event builds on the success of the Star Contender Championship, previously held in Oman for the first time.
Sajjad Mohammed Al Lawati, Vice Chairman of the Oman Table Tennis Association and Tournament Director, assured that final preparations would conclude two days before the event. These preparations involve technical and logistical arrangements such as hall setup, flooring and table installation, and enhancement of lighting and internet services.
Al Lawati highlighted that the Association aims to surpass standard requirements for the event, ensuring a high-quality organizational edition. He affirmed that the tournament committees are dedicated to providing optimal facilities for participants, leveraging the Association’s experience in hosting international championships to achieve success.
