The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced on Saturday that the World Cup, under a new mixed team format, will take place in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province in December this year.
The inaugural version of the tournament will feature a combination of men's and women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.
A ceremonial signing took place on Saturday in Chengdu, with the presence of ITTF president Petra Sorling, ITTF deputy president and World Table Tennis (WTT) chair of the board Liu Guoliang, and ITTF Group CEO Steve Dainton.
Liu Guoliang speaks at the launch of ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, August 26, 2023. /CFP
The agreement confirms Chengdu's role as the host of the 2023 ITTF Mixed Team World Cup for a five-year term (2023-2027).
The decision to revive the World Cup was endorsed by the ITTF Council held in Bangkok during the recent ITTF Summit.
"The legacy of the ITTF World Cup, spanning over four decades, is a testament to the passion and dedication of athletes who have etched their names into its history. This legacy shall forever remain an integral part of our sport's heritage," said Sorling.
"Chengdu is once again in the spotlight, following the tremendous success of the 2022 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals and the FISU World University Games in 2023," Liu said.
"These events not only showcased Chengdu's charm and hospitality, but also affirmed the city's superb capability in event organization and coordination – key to its selection as the host city of the first ITTF Mixed Team World Cup," he added.
(With input from Xinhua)