Held from Sunday, 15 January to Saturday, 21 January, the 2023 World Veterans Championships saw 1,600 participants from all over the world coming together to compete and enjoy the sport they love. Participants were thrilled to be back on the court after such a long break and the level of play was high.
The participants were pleased with the addition of the Mixed Doubles category, as it provided them with more opportunities to play, and allowed them to team up with different partners and gain new insights from each other. The camaraderie and sportsmanship on display throughout the week was truly heart-warming and served as a reminder that the event is not just about the competition, but also about the connections and friendships that were formed between the players.
The participants were treated to quality facilities at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre throughout the week, and on their day off from the event, they were able to experience the Sultanate of Oman’s rich culture and history, which added to the players’ and fans’ memorable experience.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Oman Table Tennis Federation and the organising committee for their hard work and dedication in bringing this event to fruition. The huge potential for this event is evident in the participation and enthusiasm of the athletes, and I look forward to seeing this potential continue to grow in the coming years.” – Petra Sörling
To expand its presence in this category of events, the ITTF is rebranding the World Veterans Championships to the World Masters Championships. This change is aimed at promoting table tennis as a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and also as a means to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay active at any age. This rebranding is an integral part of the ITTF’s broader strategy to make table tennis more accessible and appealing to people of all ages.
With the event wrapped up in Muscat, the focus shifts to Rome 2024. The organisers have announced that the event will be conducted in July at the Rome Exhibition Center.. Entries are set to open soon. Those looking forward to the event can register their interest here.
“We are very excited to be the next host of these Championships. We have learned a lot in Muscat and look forward to delivering a fantastic event for the players. Our goal is to strengthen the sport in the country while showcasing the beauty of the city and we aim to break all records and give everyone an event that will remain in their memory for a long time.” – Renato Di Napoli, President of the Italian Table Tennis Federation
With more players and more activities planned, Rome 2024 promises to be even bigger and better. With the success of the tournament in Oman, the future of Masters’ sports looks bright.
