World's top recreational table tennis championship opens in Gangneung

Gangneung became the center of the table tennis world Friday as the XIOM 2026 Gangneung World Masters Table Tennis Championships officially opened, the result of extensive preparations by Gangwon Province and Gangneung City.

Billed as the dream stage for recreational table tennis players worldwide, the event is the largest recreational sports table tennis festival ever held. Competitors must be at least 40 years old, with top amateur players from around the globe set to compete in age-group categories across a range of events.

True to the spirit of a recreational sports festival, the opening days are reserved for warm-up play. Friday and Saturday are dedicated to participant registration and practice matches, giving players time to train and adjust at designated courts.

The main competition — men's and women's singles and mixed doubles preliminary rounds — is scheduled to begin Sunday and Monday.

"The tournament got under way Friday with participant registration opening to players from around the world," said Choe Sang-bo, head of the sports division. "We are doing our utmost to ensure on-site support and safety management so the event runs smoothly and safely, and we hope the public will take a keen interest and come out to watch."