On the eve of the highly anticipated ITTF World Championships, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) praised the commendable efforts of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Korean Table Tennis Association (KTTA), as they get ready to kickstart the event tomorrow at BEXCO, the vibrant city of Busan, Korea Republic.

At a press conference held on 15 February, Petra Sörling, ITTF President and IOC member and Ryu Seung-min, Co-Chair of the Local Organising Committee, ITTF Executive Board Member, and IOC Member and World No.9 Shin Yubin, shared their excitement and gratitude for the efforts of the LOC and KTTA to prepare to deliver this groundbreaking event. This event is also the first ITTF event, and the first non-multisport World Championships hosted in Korea Republic to receive the ISO 20121 Certification for Outstanding Sustainability Performance. 

Petra Sörling, ITTF President expressed her pride, stating, Today we are in Busan, aware of the sacrifices and determination it took to bring this event to realisation. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our gracious hosts, and to all our partners who have supported us throughout this journey. The ISO Certification weve received, is a testament to the hard work of our local leadership, and Im incredibly proud to see this become a historic moment. The organisers here are showing us that we can all make a difference, even with small steps towards sustainability. Theyve put a lot of effort into reducing waste and paper usage, among other things. I am excited to see how this event unfolds and how we can continue to learn and improve for future events. This is a crucial first step for us, and I commend the team for their efforts. 

Ryu Seung-min, emphasised the significance of hosting the Championships in Busan. Usually for a World Championship like this, it takes two or three years to prepare. But for us, we have had six years, which adds to my confidence that this event will be a successful one, stated Ryu Seung-min. This event represents a new chapter for table tennis in Korea Republic. We are honoured to welcome players and fans from around the world to experience the excitement and hospitality of Busan. 

Shin Yubin, added her voice to the chorus of excitement, expressing her anticipation for competing on home soil. I am thrilled to have the World Championships in Korea Republic for the first time, said Shin Yubin. The facilities and organisation have been outstanding, and I am ready to give my all, starting tomorrow. 

The ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 promises to be a thrilling celebration of the sport, uniting players and fans from around the globe in the vibrant city of Busan. The ITTF invites fans from around the world to witness the excitement of the World Championships firsthand and stay updated on all the action. Stay updated with everything Busan 2024 by visiting this link and secure your tickets here.