Beijing emerges as latest powerhouse to host WTT grand smash

In a remarkable testament to its status as a global sports epicentre, Beijing has been selected to host the China Smash from 2024 to 2028, a decision that shines a spotlight on China by introducing it as the newest host for a WTT Grand Smash event. This decision follows a competitive bidding process, earning the endorsement of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Board, with the support of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The selection brings the event to Shougang Park in Shijingshan from 23 September to 6 October, uniting top table tennis players in a setting rich with history and tradition.

This recognition not only highlights Beijing’s status as a global sports hub, with its unique Olympic legacy of hosting both the Summer and Winter Games, but also aligns with the city’s forward-looking aspirations. As Shougang Park gears up to host the world’s table tennis elite, vying for supremacy and 2,000 world ranking points this October, it symbolises a celebration of Beijing’s evolution and the rich interplay of its culture and sporting excellence.

Steve Dainton, Chief Executive Officer at WTT reflects on the selection: “We’re honoured to be back in this Olympic city, which has not seen a major international table tennis event of this scale since the 26th World Table Tennis Championships in 1961. With China being our largest market and Beijing the capital, we couldn’t be prouder to bring the China Smash to such an iconic location. This is a testament to the sport’s growth, the appeal of the WTT Grand Smash and the city’s enduring appeal.”

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Speaking with pride on the successful bid, Li Xin, Head of the Beijing Shijingshan District People’s Government, remarked: “Shijingshan District, celebrated for hosting two Olympic Games in Beijing, has gained invaluable experience and international acclaim for organising large-scale events. Selecting Shougang Park as the venue highlights our Olympic heritage and leverages its multifaceted capabilities in science, technology, culture, and sports, ensuring the seamless execution of this event. This choice not only honours our past but also fortifies our commitment to enhancing the sports industry, improving infrastructure and service quality to guarantee the success of every hosted event.”

Shijingshan District mirrors Beijing’s blend of historic significance and modern vibrancy, offering an ideal setting for the China Smash. China Smash 2024 is set to be a beacon for the district’s and the city’s ambitious vision for sports and urban renewal.

Petra Sörling, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member, congratulated Beijing on winning the right to host a WTT Grand Smash: “After a joint jury decision by the ITTF and WTT, Beijing has successfully and deservedly secured the right to host the China Smash for the coming five years. We look forward to welcoming the world’s top players to the Shijingshan Shougang Park in Beijing. Notably, Beijing is the inaugural Chinese city to host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships. Given its rich heritage in table tennis, Beijing is an ideal venue for the China Smash. I am delighted that Beijing has been chosen to host this event and thank all partners for their efforts. We have every reason to anticipate that the China Smash will be a monumental success, further enriching Beijing’s illustrious table tennis history.”

Liu Guoliang, WTT Board Chair, ITTF Deputy President, and Chinese Table Tennis Association President, added: “Beijing, the capital of China, is also a globally renowned sports city. It has proudly hosted both the Summer Olympic Games and the Winter Olympics. Now, with the arrival of a WTT Grand Smash, the premier international table tennis event, Beijing’s esteemed capability to host major sporting events is once again highlighted. I am confident that we will not only honour our rich history but also forge new milestones.”

The China Smash brand, featuring gold elements and Beijing’s iconic landmarks, encapsulates the event’s essence—a grand celebration of sport and Beijing’s cultural legacy.

This October, Beijing invites fans from across the globe to witness the China Smash—an event that promises to be a landmark celebration of sport and culture in the heart of China.