The calendar for the ITTF World Para Circuit in 2026 has just been revealed, and it boasts an impressive lineup of more than 20 events spread across six continents. This marks a pivotal moment as the sport gears up to celebrate a remarkable century for the ITTF.
As we approach the grand finale of the recently revamped ITTF World Para Circuit this month, excitement is mounting for the upcoming season in 2026. This year will culminate in the highly anticipated ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, which serves as a spectacular tribute to 100 years of table tennis history.
You can view the complete ITTF World Para Circuit 2026 calendar right here! (https://www.ittf.com/2026-para-table-tennis-calendar/)
The 2026 circuit is particularly important for Para table tennis, as it will take center stage in celebrating the ITTF’s centennial. The events scheduled throughout the year exemplify the organization’s dedication to the advancement of Para sports, showcasing a three-tiered circuit structure that has seen great success in its inaugural year.
This structure—consisting of Future, Challenger, and Elite tournaments—will return for 2026, creating clear avenues for athletes at all stages of their development. The Elite tier will include five premier tournaments strategically placed throughout the season, kicking off in Lasko, Slovenia from May 11 to 15, and continuing on to Taipei City, Chinese Taipei from May 17 to 21. The calendar progresses with competitions in Beijing, China (June 24-28), Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand (July 18-22), and wraps up with a final event in Yvelines, France from October 29 to November 2.
These Elite tournaments offer the sport's best players a consistent high-level competition structure throughout the year, all gearing up towards the World Championships in November. In addition, six Challenger tournaments provide essential development and ranking opportunities, beginning in March. This includes consecutive events in Wladyslawowo, Poland (March 11-14) and Lignano, Italy (March 18-21), as well as later tournaments in São Paulo, Brazil (April 23-26), Podgorica, Montenegro (April 29 - May 3), followed by return visits to Lasko, Slovenia (May 5-9) and Kefalonia, Greece (October 12-15).
Moreover, the Future circuit will host nine events spread across five continents, ensuring that emerging athletes have ample access to competitive opportunities. The season will start in the scenic Gold Coast, Australia from February 16 to 18, followed by events in Costa Brava, Spain (March 26-29) and Yalova, Turkey (April 2-5). South America will host back-to-back tournaments in Santiago, Chile (April 14-16) and Buenos Aires, Argentina (April 18-20) before the European summer showcases contests in Amman, Jordan (June 4-6) and Ostrava, Czech Republic (June 18-20). The Future series will culminate with a final event in Lahti, Finland (August 28-30).
All roads lead to Pattaya, Thailand, where the ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships will be held in November 2026. This particular edition is especially noteworthy as it aligns with the ITTF's centenary celebrations and will feature a landmark achievement in equality—165 male and 165 female athletes will compete, ensuring full gender representation. This timing creates a beautiful symmetry; as the ITTF commemorates its 100-year legacy in table tennis, the World Para Championships will highlight the sport's impressive journey towards inclusivity and excellence.
The 2026 calendar features a commendable global presence, with events occurring in various countries across Asia—including China, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Jordan, and Japan—Europe—Poland, Italy, Slovenia, France, Spain, Turkey, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Greece, and Finland— as well as in the Americas (Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia) and Oceania (Australia). This widespread diversity ensures that athletes from every region have equitable access to competitive opportunities throughout the year. The events in 2026 will also award vital ranking points, as competitors aim to secure their spots at this prestigious gathering. An updated ranking system will calculate points based on athletes’ top six performances from the previous year, promoting consistent participation and reward for sustained excellence.
Thailand is highlighted in the calendar, playing host to both a Future and an Elite event in Nakhon Ratchasima during July, acting as an ideal precursor to the World Championships later that same year. This opportunity allows Thailand to showcase its exceptional organizational skills while providing athletes with invaluable experience competing in the host country prior to the championships.
In summary, the 2026 calendar builds on the robust framework established during the initial revamped circuit in 2025. The successful three-tier structure has facilitated transparent pathways for athlete growth, increased competitive opportunities, and fostered an environment geared toward advancement. Regular rankings across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories have introduced transparency and inspiration while the new points system reduces pressure and encourages ongoing participation.
As Para table tennis moves into 2026, the combination of the ITTF World Para Circuit, the centenary celebrations, and the World Championships in Pattaya align perfectly to create a season that promises to be truly unforgettable. All aspects are in place for a centennial celebration that honors the ITTF’s incredible history and the bright future of Para table tennis.