Countdown Begins: Draw for World Table Tennis Championships Qatar 2025 to be held tomorrow
DOHA: The stage is nearly set for one of the most anticipated events in the global table tennis calendar — the World Table Tennis Championships Qatar 2025.
The official draw will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (April 30) at the Mall of Qatar, signaling the start of the final countdown to the tournament.
This high-profile event, which runs from May 17 to 25 at Lusail Hall and Qatar University, promises to deliver world-class action and unforgettable moments.
640 players. 443 matches. One global spectacle.
This year’s edition brings together 640 top athletes from around the world, competing across five categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
The breakdown includes:
- 256 players in the singles events,
- 256 players in men’s and women’s doubles,
- 128 players in mixed doubles,
- For a total of 443 thrilling matches.
All competitions will follow a direct knockout format, with singles matches played in a best-of-seven format and doubles in best-of-five.
The draw, which will be broadcast live on the ITTF’s official YouTube channel, is a key moment for the participating athletes as they discover their paths to the podium.
Player placements are determined using the latest ITTF world rankings, released on April 29, with the top 32 singles players automatically seeded into later rounds. The remaining 96 will battle it out in the opening round to complete the 128-player singles brackets.
For doubles, 16 seeded pairs lead the draw, while the remaining 48 pairs will compete for a place in the 64-pair draw.
Anticipation Builds On and Off the Court
The organizing committee has left no stone unturned in preparing for what promises to be a *historic and seamless tournament.
According to Khalil bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, President of the Qatar, Arab, and Asian TT Federations and First Vice-President of the ITTF, the tournament will be “exceptional in every aspect.”
He highlighted the deep experience of Qatari organizers, who last hosted the championship in 2004, and their commitment to raising the bar in 2025.
“Qatar is ready to dazzle the world once again,” said Al Muhannadi. “We promise an unforgettable tournament, both in terms of competition and organization.”
The championship will also feature several high-level side events, including the 17th ITTF Sports Science Congress at Aspetar Hospital, various continental and Arab regional meetings, and the all-important ITTF General Assembly, where the next federation president will be elected through 2029.
Massive Ticket Demand as Fans Flock to Qatar
The championship has seen a surge in ticket sales through the “Q-Tickets” platform, with fans worldwide eager to witness the spectacle live.
The Qatar Table Tennis Federation has facilitated easy digital access for fans, offering seats at both venues — Lusail Hall and Qatar University Hall — with special accommodations and free access for people with special needs.
We Are 100% Ready: Media Committee
With just under three weeks to go, Thani Juma Al-Zarraa, Chairman of the Media and Communication Committee, confirmed full readiness for the global tournament. He praised the team’s successful hosting of multiple international events earlier this year as vital rehearsals.
“Every requirement of the ITTF has been met, and we’re excited to present a truly exceptional edition of the World Championships,” Al-Zarraa said. “The draw ceremony will offer fans a taste of what’s to come — and expect a few surprises as well.”
