Riyadh, February 15, 2024, In a historic move, the Kingdom is set to host its inaugural Grand Smash 2024 World Table Tennis Championship, themed "Saudi Smash." Scheduled to unfold from May 1 to May 11 in Jeddah, this prestigious event will witness the participation of elite international players competing in singles and doubles tournaments across genders, as well as mixed doubles. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Sport, the tournament is being meticulously organized by the Saudi Table Tennis Federation in collaboration with the World Table Tennis Organization (WTT).
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, hailed this momentous occasion, affirming its place among the Kingdom's array of major sporting events. With unwavering support from leadership, he anticipates the championship to mark a significant milestone in the realm of table tennis, promising an exceptional experience for all involved.
The tournament will unfold in two stages, commencing with the qualifying stage from May 1 to 3, featuring 64 players, including representatives from the Kingdom. From this pool, eight players will progress to the final rounds, starting May 4. Joining them will be 56 players ranked higher in the global classification table. This sets the stage for a total of 64 players vying for titles across five competitions: men's singles and doubles, women's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles, in the knockout rounds.
These hosting endeavors underscore the Kingdom's remarkable strides in sports development, aligning seamlessly with the objectives outlined in Vision 2030. By positioning sports as a cornerstone of national development, this championship underscores the sector's pivotal role in fostering prosperity and growth across diverse fields within the Kingdom.
