The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced that the World Youth Championships 2026 will now take place in Istanbul, Turkiye, from November 21 to 28. This change came after Bahrain withdrew as the host due to safety concerns related to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
ITTF President Petra Sorling expressed gratitude towards Bahrain for prioritizing the safety of athletes, officials, and delegations. The event, featuring top junior talent in Under-19 and Under-15 categories, will be a historic first for Turkiye as it hosts its maiden ITTF world title event.
The tournament will be held at the Ata Sporları Merkezi, a venue with a rich table tennis history that has previously hosted WTT events. This opportunity not only showcases Turkiye’s capabilities but also serves as a platform for the country’s preparation for Istanbul 2027, the upcoming European Games.
Kerim Koc, president of the Turkiye Table Tennis Federation, emphasized the significance of hosting the ITTF World Youth Championships as a testament to their dedication to developing table tennis in the country. This event is seen as a milestone that will inspire the next generation of players and promote the sport across Türkiye.
