The logo of the Durban 2023 World Table Tennis Championships Finals was unveiled today at a prestigious ceremony, featuring an array of national, provincial and city government and sports officials.
It incorporates all the diverse attributes of the game, the host nation, and the inclusivity and representivity that is enjoyed by the sport of table tennis in Africa and the world. The colours of the South African flag represents the host nation, while the watermark, the King Protea, is South Africa’s national flower. The logo creates a highly impactful, youthful and energetic experience that encourages users to engage with these historic championships which will take place in Africa after an absence of 84 years.
“We are excited at the prospect of hosting the world in what is one of the most popular sports on planet earth. The last time that such an event was held in South Africa was twelve years ago during the FIFA World Cup. The World Table Tennis Championships Finals promises to be just as spectacular from a sporting as well as entertainment point of view, in addition to bringing much-needed economic activity to the city and province, plus providing a wonderful opportunity for South Africa to again market itself to the world. Having endured the horrors of a global pandemic, this is just what is needed and it comes at the right time.”
Joe Carrim, President of the SA Table Tennis Board and Leader of the Local Organising Committee (LOC)
The Table Tennis world will descend on Durban from 20 to 28 May 2023*, in the Durban International Convention Centre, and the Championships will have a major impact on the economy of the city, the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.
“We would like to send our best wishes as we are celebrating one year countdown leading up to the 2023 World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Durban. We are excited to continue working together to help develop and promote the sport in South Africa and Africa as we hope to see the best athletes from the continent competing at the highest level and become global table tennis stars!
Khalil Al-Mohannadi, ITTF Executive Vice President
With hundreds of players and officials from more than 200 countries and media coverage throughout the world, the World Table Tennis Championships Finals will provide a wealth of social, tourism and economic development opportunities for the host city.
“We are more than ready to host the world! We have the infrastructure, transportation networks, hotels, restaurants, lively entertainment spots, among the world’s best sporting venues, a unique African experience, the most beautiful and welcoming people in the world renowned for our South African friendliness, and of course, our famous weather”
Mxolisi Kaunda the Executive Mayor of eThekwini’s, the metropolitan municipality which includes the city of Durban.
The LOC is strongly focusing on its Social Cohesion Legacy Programme, to encourage sustainable development through sport within the local communities. As part of the build-up to the World Championships Finals, the South African Table Tennis Board will host a series of events that will focus on promoting social cohesion throughout all communities, using table tennis as the medium. The objective is to implement this legacy programme in the host city and the Province, but also throughout the country.
“Once again, sport provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase South Africa to the world, whilst at the same time, fostering unity and cohesion among our people.”
Nocawe Mafu, Deputy Minister for Sports, Arts and Culture Minister
* This story has been updated with the new dates of the 2023 ITTF World Championships Finals Durban. The event was initially scheduled to start on 22nd May.
