Less than five months away, the 2023 World Veteran Championships commences on Sunday 15th January; one fact is crystal clear, everything will be of the very highest order. A ground-breaking event not only with the introduction of mixed doubles for the first-time ever.
Such was the message received by Petra Sörling, ITTF President, Khalil Al-Mohannadi, ITTF Executive Vice President and President of the Asian Table Tennis Union, and Mikael Andersson, ITTF Group Sport Director, at the conclusion of their visit to Muscat; one which included a meeting with Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, President of the Oman Olympic Committee.
“It’s very important, the veteran’s community has been waiting since 2018 to come back and play again in a World Veteran Championships; to do that in beautiful Oman, in this amazing venue will be a pleasure for everyone.” Petra Sörling
The word everyone is underlined, you can choose your own hotel or accept a package scheme which involves transport to and from the venue.
“There is no reason not to come here in January. I have seen a big commitment; there will be really exciting moments here in Muscat. These Championships will be unforgettable for many reasons. They are also the first to feature mixed doubles competitions, they are the first held since the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also the first one organized by the ITTF. Oman 2023 will be a vivid demonstration that table tennis is for all and for life.” Petra Sörling
Without doubt a week to remember is promised in the New Year, with Khalil Al-Mohannadi in particular delighted that Oman took the plunge to organise the event. He had no doubt that the Sultanate will set unprecedented standards.
“I have been with Oman from the beginning, I encouraged Oman to bid for this event. We need this level in table tennis, this is high standard. I promise everyone it will be the best for table tennis, the best for veterans, everyone is welcome in Oman.” Khalil Al-Mohannadi
He also stated that he intends to pick up his racket and play, while Petra Sörling will join forces with Pia Toelhøj and try to repeat the gold medal success of 2018 in Las Vegas.
Everyone can expect a warm welcome, Abduallah Mohamed Ba Makhalef, President of the Oman Table Tennis Federation, welcomed the ITTF delegation with open arms, the same can be expected for all in January.
“Thank you to the ITTF for coming here; the people in Oman are very friendly and we will welcome you all to see our beautiful country in January 2023.” Abduallah Mohamed Ba Makhalef
Very good impressions and first impressions count; the opening ceremony will be held in the same venue as the gala dinner. Sajjid Baqer, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, is determined to impress from the very first moment.
“We promise you will be in the best place, in a wonderful scene; this is where will also be the gala dinner on 18th January; the dinner will be in this beautiful area.” Sajjid Baqer
Simply no stone has been left unturned explained Jordi Serra, who was the Tournament Director for the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and for the 2016 World Veteran Championships staged in Alicante/Elche and is now a consultant for Oman 2023.
“I think this visit showcases what Oman can do and how it can contribute to table tennis and make the 2023 World Veteran Championships a very unique event. We have a very committed team; at the same time, we have an excellent venue, we have all the elements for success.” Jordi Serra
The Sultanate of Oman is a country of breath-taking natural beauty, interwoven with a kaleidoscope of history and legends. As the oldest independent state in the Arab World, Oman has embraced modernization and progress while retaining the core aspects of its culture and heritage. All are Muscat bound for a very special event in conditions that will take your breath away: the Oman 2023 World Veteran Table Tennis Championships.
Visit the official website of the World Veteran Table Tennis Championships 2023 – Muscat, Oman
