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2026 ITTF World Para Championships

Where:  Pattaya, Thailand

When:  13-19th November 2026

Player availability known by:  30th June 2026

Players selected by:   19th August 2026, re-allocation selections 8th September 2026

Approximate cost:  TBC 

Funding:  User pays, TTNZ supported event.  Deposit required on advice of selection.

Overview 

This document outlines the selection criteria for New Zealand athletes to compete at the 2026 ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships. Selection will align with both TTNZ high-performance objectives and the qualification framework set by the International Table Tennis Federation. 

Any acceptance of an ITTF allocated qualification place to a player is subject to approval by TTNZ and the respective Selection Criteria and processes.  

Qualification Pathways (ITTF Framework) 

Qualification for the 2026 World Para Championships is determined by ITTF as set out in their qualification guide with allocations being made in the following priority order: 

  1. Continental Championships (Singles Events) 

  1. Doubles Pairs Ranking 

  1. World Singles Ranking 

  1. World Junior Singles Ranking 

  1. Invitations 

Automatic Qualification: 

  • Any athlete who wins their singles class at the 2025 ITTF Para Continental Championships (including ITTF-Oceania Para Championships) will secure a qualification place for the World Para Championships. 

Eligibility 

To be considered for selection, athletes must: 

  • Be eligible to represent New Zealand in all ITTF sanctioned events, including World Para Title events will be considered for selection.

    • Eligibility is defined as: A player who meets all ITTF requirements ITTF 2026 Statutes; A NZ citizen who holds a NZ passport and has served any stand-down period as per ITTF regulations. 

  • Have an up-to-date Individual Performance Plan and a Player Plan in place, including a clearly defined training and competition programme aligned to TTNZ expectations. 

  • Be in good standing, with no current disciplinary actions or sanctions at the time of selection. 

TTNZ Selection Criteria 

The Para players who will represent New Zealand (NZ) at the 2026 ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships must be eligible and will be selected based on the below criteria. 

1. Automatic Selection 

  • Any New Zealand athlete who secures a qualification slot by winning their respective singles class at the 2025 ITTF-Oceania Para Championships will be selected, subject to meeting all eligibility, planning, and team commitment requirements. 

2. World Ranking Qualification 

  • Athletes offered a place through ITTF World Rankings must:

    • Have competed at the 2025 ITTF-Oceania Para Championships; and

    • Demonstrate competitive international performance within their class. 

Performance indicators include (but are not limited to): 

  • Podium placings at ITTF-sanctioned Para events. 

  • Victories against Top 30 world-ranked athletes in their respective singles class. 

  • For U23 athletes ranked within the Top 5 globally, evidence of a positive performance trajectory and progression potential, including demonstrated competitiveness at senior-level events and alignment with long-term high performance pathway objectives. 

3. Selectors’ Consideration 

TTNZ may consider accepting an ITTF allocation for an athlete in singles where in doing so it contributes to strengthening doubles or mixed doubles opportunities for the wider team. Such decisions will be based on: 
• Demonstrated performance trajectory and/or medal potential. 
• Alignment with Individual Performance Plans.
• Contribution to overall team competitiveness and environment. 

This may include athletes whose selection: 
• Enables entry into additional events (E.g., doubles or mixed doubles combinations). 
• Enhances overall team balance and medal potential. 

4. Team Environment and Contribution 

  • In all cases, athlete behaviour, professionalism, and ability to contribute positively to the team environment will be considered as part of endorsement and final selection decisions.

Team Size 

  • The number of ITTF allocated qualification spots accepted by TTNZ, remains at TTNZ’s sole discretion.   

Athlete Obligations 

All selected athletes must: 

  • Confirm availability and acceptance of selection in writing within specified timeframes. 

  • Sign and adhere to the TTNZ Player Agreement. 

  • Make themselves available for all designated team activities. 

  • Meet all financial obligations associated with the event (user-pays model). 

General Considerations 

  • Qualification via ITTF pathways does not guarantee automatic selection; all selections remain subject to TTNZ approval. 

  • Final team composition will consider both individual merit and overall team strategy. 

  • This policy and criteria applies to the 2026 campaign and may be reviewed for future cycles. 

Support Person:

Where an athlete requires a support person, TTNZ will review the request on a case-by-case basis, considering functional needs, safety requirements, and classification factors. All TTNZ approved support persons travelling with the delegation must undergo screening, including police vetting, and comply with TTNZ’s safeguarding and conduct expectations. All associated costs of an approved support person will be the responsibility of the selected player.  TTNZ's decision with regards to support personnel is final. 

 

Player Pathway

Learn The Rules

Annual Awards Criteria