The table tennis takeover of London began with World Table Tennis Day!

With the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals London 2026 Presented by ACN just five days away, World Table Tennis Day was marked with special events in the capital.

World Table Tennis Day is celebrated on 23 April because that was the birthday of the first ITTF Chair, and also the first Chair of the ETTA, Ivor Montagu. It was a chance to get people playing the sport at tables all over London and beyond.

From iconic locations including St Paul’s Cathedral to shopping centres and youth projects, people took to the table to celebrate one of the most inclusive sports on the planet.

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of 10 locations to have a striking specially designed table tennis table installed to mark the historic centenary.

Each table features a unique icons, inspired by the 100-year journey of the sport and the Championships to become one of the most played and watched sports in the world.

Delivered in partnership between Central London Alliance and Table Tennis England, the activation runs through to June as part of the London Sports Festival, inviting Londoners, workers and visitors to pick up a bat, explore the city and join the celebrations.

Thousands of people have already enjoyed playing on the 10 tables, and they were especially popular on World Table Tennis Day, when the tables at Tower Suites, St Paul’s Cathedral and New Street Square hosted special celebration moments.

Members of the public are encouraged to download the official map, track down the tables, and uncover the full set of icons before 26 April for a chance to win tickets to the World Championships finals at OVO Arena Wembley on 10 May, along with a range of other prizes.

Also on Thursday, the award-winning Ping Hub in Ilford hosted a community-focused activation built around the theme Table Tennis Moves You, highlighting the role of table tennis in supporting health, wellbeing and social connection.

Ping Hubs will be a key part of the social impact programme linked to the World Championships as the whole nation is encouraged to pick up a bat and embrace the sport.

The event in Ilford brought together adults and community groups, with a particular focus on individuals living with long-term health conditions (including Parkinson’s groups, mental health organisations and older adults). The session was relaxed, inclusive and beginner-friendly, using social play and light activity to create a welcoming environment for all abilities.

Table Tennis England Chief Executive Sally Lockyer said: “We couldn’t be more excited with the World Championships now less than a week away. To be able to celebrate World Table Tennis Day in London, the city where the event was born 100 years ago, is very special indeed.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is proud to be staging events as part of World Table Tennis Day, which comes less than a week before our capital hosts the prestigious World Team Table Tennis Championships.

“London hosted the first ever world championships a century ago – and it is fitting that this tournament will be staged back here in the capital on its 100th anniversary.  

“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best players for an action-packed event as we work together to build a better London for everyone.”

Nadia Perrier, Director of Central London Alliance commented: “The Golden Table Tennis Hunt is a shining way to bring this landmark centenary moment to life across London. By inviting people to explore the city, discover each uniquely designed table tennis table and take part in the journey, we’re turning central London into an interactive celebration of one of the world’s most loved sports.

“Building momentum around World Table Tennis Day, the initiative creates a real sense of excitement and anticipation as we count down to the World Championship Finals. As part of the London Sports Festival, this initiative goes beyond the game itself, encouraging people to be active, experience the capital’s iconic locations in a new way, and be part of the energy as the Championships returns to where it all began 100 years ago. 

“It showcases the power of sport to animate our public spaces, drive footfall, and create shared moments of joy. We’re proud to help make it easy and accessible for everyone to be involved, pick up a racket, and be part of a global celebration right here in London.”

“London thrives when its city ecosystem is activated in ways that connect people, place and purpose,” said Tony Matharu, founder and Chairman of Central London Alliance. “Through innovation, events and city-wide activations like this, the CLA helps drive footfall and spend into London’s economy while supporting businesses, culture and the arts for workers, visitors, residents, investors and all stakeholders who contribute to the capital’s vibrancy.”