World Junior Table Tennis Championships

Publication date: 15 August 2025

Junior World Table Tennis Championship is a prestigious international table tennis competition where the strongest young athletes and juniors under the ages of 15 and 19 compete. The tournament is held under the auspices of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and serves as a launching pad for future champions of junior table tennis.

Junior table tennis competition is held annually and includes a variety of events — singles and doubles matches, as well as mixed categories. The junior tournaments consist of two team events and five individual events in each age group. Young talents from around the world get a unique opportunity to showcase their skills on the global stage and gain invaluable competitive experience in table tennis.

Junior World Table Tennis Championship 2025

The 2025 Junior World Championship will take place in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The junior table tennis tournament is scheduled for the end of the year — from November 23 to 30. It will be one of the brightest events on the international junior table tennis calendar. Cluj-Napoca is a modern European city with well-developed sports infrastructure, having already hosted world-class junior table tennis competitions multiple times.

History of the Championship

The Junior World Table Tennis Championship began in 2003. From 2003 to 2020, the age category for participants was up to 18 years. Since 2021, the junior tournament has been divided into U15 and U19 categories.

Over the years, the Chinese team has long dominated among junior table tennis nations, winning 14 gold medals, 3 silver, and 5 bronze. Following China in medal counts are Japan, Korea, and Germany.

Interesting Facts about the Junior World Table Tennis Championship

Springboard to Professional Sports
The junior championship serves as a launching pad for future table tennis stars. Many professional players first made a name for themselves here.
Tournament with History
The first junior championship was held in 2003. Each year, the tournament grew in scale, now attracting dozens of countries from all continents.
China Leads
Chinese athletes consistently win medals in both individual and team events. Competition is increasing, with medals now also going to Japan, Korea, Germany, and France.
Juniors Play Like Pros
Serve speed, tactics, spin — in the finals, it seems that experienced table tennis masters are competing, not just juniors.
Girls Set the Pace
The women’s events are just as spectacular, with young players demonstrating lightning-fast rallies and technical skills.
Age Categories
Since 2021, the tournament has been held in U15 and U19 categories, providing equal conditions for young talents.
Pathway to Olympic Future
Table tennis is an Olympic sport, and the junior championship is an important step for selecting future Olympic participants.
Multifunctional Talents
Young participants often practice multiple sports, but table tennis remains a priority due to its dynamic and strategic nature.
Tournament as a Cultural Bridge
The Junior World Table Tennis Championship connects participants beyond the sports halls, offering excursions, workshops, and exposure to the host country’s culture.
Everyone Has Their Story
For some, participation is the first chance to travel abroad; for others, it’s a path toward a professional table tennis career. For all, it is an unforgettable experience and a significant chapter in the history of youth table tennis.