227 players from 24 countries and territories: Shanghai to host the biggest World Table Tennis for Health Festival ever!

Registration for the 2026 World Table Tennis for Health Festival has officially closed, and we are excited to announce that the numbers write a new chapter in the event's history. 227 players living with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, from 24 countries and territories across four continents, will meet in Shanghai, China, from 20 to 25 October 2026. It is set to be the largest Festival ever, surpassing the 189 players who took part in the previous edition.

For the first time since the Festival was inaugurated, it leaves Europe for Asia. And the host nation has responded in force. 119 players from China have registered, and for many of them, this will be their first international competition.

The other half of the story is the 108 players travelling from outside China. Reaching Shanghai from other parts of the world means long flights, connections, medication schedules to manage, and months of planning. Making the journey to a Festival held further from home says a lot about what this week means to them.

Behind the headline figure sits something worth pausing on: 103 female and 124 male players. The near-even split reflects our belief that table tennis is inclusive and for everyone.

Beyond the playing field, the picture becomes even broader. Counting coaches, accompanying persons, Congress speakers and attendees, more countries and territories join the event, bringing together people from all five continents.

Be part of this largest-ever Festival

Our thanks go to every player, accompanying person, coach, and partner who has registered and made this biggest-ever gathering possible. Entry to the World Parkinson's Table Tennis Championships and the World Alzheimer's Table Tennis Championships is now closed, but there are still ways to take part:

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