Istanbul to Host ITTF World Youth Championships 2026
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has confirmed that the ITTF World Youth Championships 2026 will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 21-28 November 2026, following a change of host from Bahrain. The dates of the event remain unchanged.
The Bahrain Table Tennis Association, after close consultation with the ITTF, made the decision to withdraw as host, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of athletes, officials, and delegations.
The ITTF commended Bahrain for its responsible approach and reaffirmed its commitment to a strong partnership with the association in the future.
This landmark edition will be the first ITTF world title event ever staged in Türkiye, bringing together the world’s best junior talent across the Under-19 and Under-15 categories.
The championships will be held at the Ata Sporları Merkezi, a venue with a proven track record in hosting WTT events. The tournament will also serve as a valuable test for Turkish organizers ahead of Istanbul 2027, the fourth edition of the European Games.
Türkiye’s successful bid was made possible through the support of the Türkiye Table Tennis Federation (TMTF) and its President Kerim Koç, alongside ITTF Executive Vice President and President of the Türkiye National Olympic Committee, Prof. Veli Ozan Çakır.
‘Hosting the ITTF World Youth Championships is a significant step forward for the Türkiye Table Tennis Federation and a reflection of our continued commitment to growing the game across Türkiye,’ said Koç. ‘Welcoming the world’s best young players to our country is exactly the kind of moment that inspires the next generation.’
Prof. Çakır added: ‘Bringing the ITTF World Youth Championships to Istanbul is a proud moment for Turkish table tennis and for our country. With Istanbul 2027 on the horizon, this championship also gives us a tremendous opportunity to showcase what Türkiye can deliver on the world stage.’
