World Masters Table Tennis Championships Gangneung 2026

ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Gangneung 2026

The ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships is a major international event organized under the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for adult players aged 40 and above. It’s one of the largest veteran table tennis events in the world.

The ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Gangneung 2026 will be held June 5–12, 2026 in Gangneung, South Korea, at the Gangneung Olympic Park. The event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the ITTF and is expected to bring together over 4,000 players from more than 100 countries.

The event highlights lifelong participation in sport under the theme “Table Tennis for All, for Life” and will also feature cultural elements such as the mascots Jangja & Gaksi, inspired by the local Gangneung Danoje Festival.

Key Facts & Highlights

1. Dates & Venue

- The event takes place from 5 June to 12 June 2026.
- Location: Gangneung Olympic Park, specifically at Gangneung Arena and the Gangneung Speed Skating Rink (used as practice or competition halls).

2. Significance

- This edition is especially meaningful: it coincides with the ITTF’s 100th anniversary (founded in 1926).
- It’s part of a long-term tradition of Masters competitions, designed for more senior players / lifelong sports participants.

3. Participation

- Expected to draw over 4,000 participants from more than 100 countries / territories.
- Age eligibility: open to players 40 years and older (born in 1986 or earlier).
- Age categories are quite granular, starting at 40–44, then 45–49, up in 5-year bands all the way to “90 years and above” (born before 1936).
- In doubles: partners can be from different age groups; but the pair competes in the age group of the younger player.

4. Events / Competition Format

- There are five event types: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
- Schedule (per the official site): Registration on 5–6 June, competition on 7–8 June, then a rest day on 9 June, followed by more competition from 10–12 June.
- Although the detailed schedule is not available, looking at the schedule for the 2024 Rome Games, it appears that the first two days on 7–8 June of competition will be used for singles and doubles qualifying.
  
  Reference) The 2024 Roma games schedule
  
  General program
  Provisional schedule for the first two days - click here Event's program (temporary) Saturday July 6 12:00 – 20:00 ACCREDITATION AND TRAINING Sund...
  rome2024.org
  
  Sat 6 July 2024 Accreditation
  
  12:00–20:00 — Accreditation & Training
  
  Sun 7 July 2024 Opening Ceremony
  
  10:00–22:00 — Accreditation;
  
  10:00–18:00 — Training;
  
  19:00–20:00 — Opening Ceremony
  
  Mon 8 July 2024 Singles Qualification matches rounds
  
  08:00–09:00 — Training;
  
  09:00–22:00 — Singles Qualification matches begin
  
  Tue 9 July 2024 Doubles & Mixed-Doubles Qualification rounds
  
  08:00–09:00 — Training;
  
  09:00–22:00 — Doubles & Mixed-Doubles Qualification rounds
  
  Wed 10 July 2024 Day off (no main matches);
  
  10:00–15:00 Training;
  
  15:00–19:00 — side TTX Tournament;
  
  20:00–23:00 — Gala Dinner
  
  Thu 11 July 2024 Singles Championship
  
  09:00–20:00 — Para-athlete accreditation;
  
  09:00–22:00 — Singles Championship + Consolation draws begin
  
  Fri 12 July 2024 Doubles & Mixed Doubles Championship
  
  08:00–09:00 — Training;
  
  09:00–22:00 — Doubles & Mixed Doubles Championship + Consolation draws; Para events ongoing
  
  Sat 13 July 2024 R16 / Quarterfinals
  
  08:00–09:00 — Training;
  
  09:00–20:00 — Singles (R16 / Quarterfinals), Doubles (R16 / Quarterfinals), Mixed Doubles (Semifinals/Finals), plus Consolation draws and Para events;
  
  20:30 — Mixed Doubles Award Ceremony;
  
  21:00–24:00 — Farewell Party
  
  Sun 14 July 2024 Semifinals/Finals
  
  09:00–13:00 — Para-events finals, Singles Semifinals, Doubles Semifinals/Finals; 13:15 — Doubles & Para Award Ceremonies;
  
  14:30–18:30 — Singles Finals;
  
  18:45–20:00 — Singles Award Ceremony & Closing Ceremony

5. Doubles / Mixed Doubles

- - After payment, you’ll get instructions by email on how to find or confirm a doubles/mixed doubles partner.
  - Both players must confirm the partnership for it to count.
  - For doubles/mixed: the age group of the pair is determined by the younger partner.
  - Deadline to finalize your partner is April 24, 2026. After this date, LOC will randomly assign partners.

6. Registration & Fees

- - Early Registration (until 31 Dec 2025): US$ 210 for players; accompanying persons US$ 90.
  - Regular Registration (1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026): US$ 270 for players; accompanying persons US$ 100.
  - There is also a VIP Package (player + accompanying person) with more perks: lounge access, meals, gala dinner, some memorabilia, and transport from the airport.

7. VIP Package (Optional)

- There is a VIP package you can add when signing up: includes lounge, meals, gala dinner, shuttle from the airport, and memorabilia.
- Price:
  - Early (until 31 Dec 2025): US$ 800 for player + 1 accompanying person
  - Regular (1 Jan – 5 May 2026): US$ 870 for player + 1 accompanying person

8. Cancellation Policy

- - You can cancel your registration under certain conditions:
    - Up to Sept 30, 2025 → no cancellation fee
    - Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 → 50% cancellation fee
    - Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 → 75% cancellation fee
    - After April 1, 2026 → 100% cancellation fee (no refund)
  - You have to submit a cancellation request through your registration/account page.

9. Logistics / Hospitality

- The organizers are providing airport shuttle service: between Incheon International Airport (Seoul) and the official hotels in Gangneung.
- Tour programs are planned around the tournament (before, during the rest day, and after) so participants can explore Gangneung and the surrounding region.
- Official hotels are organized by the LOC (Local Organizing Committee).

10. Mascots / Branding

- Mascots: Jangja & Gaksi, inspired by characters from the traditional Gangneung Danoje Festival.
- The emblem visual ties together table tennis, local nature (sunrise over the East Sea), and cultural patterns (pinecone motifs).

11. Notable Participants

- Hyun Jung-hwa (a table tennis legend from Korea) was the first registered player for the event.
- Her participation is symbolic — she’s an Olympian and a member of the ITTF Hall of Fame, underscoring the prestige of this Masters event.

How to Get to Gangneung from Abroad

Fly into South Korea
- Most international travelers will land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the major international gateway.
- Alternatively, depending on your flight, you might use Gimpo Airport, but Incheon is more common for long-haul international flights.
From Incheon Airport to Gangneung
- By Bus
  - There are direct intercity buses from Incheon Airport to Gangneung Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 4+ hours. FromTo Travel+1
  - Cost is roughly US $33–37 (or equivalent in KRW) depending on route and operator. FromTo Travel
- By Train
  - From Incheon Airport, take the AREX train to Seoul Station. isntp13.org+1
  - Then transfer at Seoul to KTX heading to Gangneung
    
    imath.inha.ac.kr+2ICACT+2
  - The KTX fare from Seoul to Gangneung is around KRW 27,600 (economy). isntp13.org+1
- By Private Transfer / Taxi
  - You can book a private car or taxi from Incheon Airport to Gangneung. taxiyo.com
  - Note: Because Gangneung is quite far (roughly ~280 km), this is the most expensive option.
Other Options
- Domestic Flights: Depending on available airlines, you could theoretically fly to a closer domestic airport (if any serve the Gangwon province) and then take a bus or taxi, though Incheon + land transport is often more practical. milehacker.com
- Self-Drive: If you’re comfortable driving in Korea, you can rent a car (with an International Driving Permit) and drive via highways like the Yeongdong Expressway.

How to Register

November 31st, 2025 I was able to register using credit card settlement without making an overseas remittance. Below are the steps:

1. Go to the Official Registration Page
  - Use the event’s registration system on the Gangneung 2026 website.
    https://www.gangneung2026.com/
  - On the site, go to “Participation → Registration Process → Register Now.”
  - On the register process, select “Add Person”
2. Fill Out the Online Form
  - You need to enter your name, nationality, email address, mobile number, and so on. And save it.
  - Please confirm the entry player
  - Select additonal articles VIP pacage, Airport pickup,edc if neeed.
  - Fill the billing address , name, city, country , etc. and reviw the registartion
  - Please review the registration.

1. Payment
  - Please select payment method Paypal
  - Confirm billing infomation and select Confirm Registration
  - Select “Credit Card”
  - Fill the credit infomation and address.
2. After Payment
  - Once you complete payment, you can check this screen “Your registration has been completed”
  - You will also receive an email with the voucher attached.
  - You can find your Name on the participantslist list https://www.ttm.co.at/wmc2026/participants

Tourism

*Please note that this photo was taken in Busan, not Gangneung. I hope to see such beautiful view in Gangneung.

If anyone has knowledge of Gangneung tourism, I would appreciate it if you could tweet about it using the hashtag #Gangneung2026 on X(Twitter)

Food and Restaurants

If anyone has knowledge of Gangneung food and restaurants, I would appreciate it if you could tweet about it using the hashtag #Gangneung2026 on X(Twitter)