The countdown to the ITTF World Team Championships has begun with the official handover of the ITTF flag to Table Tennis England.

In a ceremony at the end of the ITTF World Championships in Doha, the flag was passed from the Qatari hosts, via ITTF President Petra Sörling, to Table Tennis England Chair Clare Briegal.

With the waving of the flag on stage, Clare formally accepted the responsibility of staging the 2026 centenary World Championships back in the city where it all began in 1926.

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Clare said: “It was such a great honour to be in Qatar to attend the ITTF World Championships finals as well as to be the Table Tennis England delegate at the Summit and AGM.

“I witnessed first-hand some thrilling matches, including the fantastic performance of Tom Jarvis in this men’s singles last 16 match. Tom played brilliantly in front of a capacity crowd; we were all so proud of his performance and of the hard work and dedication of the whole team and coaches representing England and Wales.

“At the end of the championships, the ITTF flag was passed on from the Qatar Table Tennis Association via Petra Sörling, ITTF President, to me as Chair – on behalf of all the members of Table Tennis England – signifying taking on the responsibility of hosts of the next World Championships in London.

“The ‘Road to Wembley’ starts now and we are ready to take on the challenge. Thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to get us to this point.”

Table Tennis England CEO Sally Lockyer said during a site visit to Ovo Arena Wembley yesterday: “We’re hugely looking forward to welcoming the world to London next year.

“So much work has already been done to lay the foundations for a landmark event co-inciding with the ITTF’s centenary, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure London 2026 delivers a memorable experience and creates a lasting legacy.

“We are working with partners including the Greater London Authority, venues and sponsors to deliver an event which has three things at its heart – athletes, sustainability and legacy.

“In conjunction with our major events programme, which includes WTT Feeder Manchester, Star Contender London and more events to come, we want to ensure the centenary World Championships has a positive long-term impact socially, environmentally and economically across the country, not just in London.

“We believe local success builds global momentum, so at every step we will share knowledge and learning with ITTF members as we work together to grow the sport globally and begin the second century of the ITTF and the World Championships in style.”