ITTF World Para Future Gold Coast 2026 Selection Criteria
Where: Gold Coast, Australia
When: 16th – 18th February 2026
Player availability known by: 9th December 2025
Players selected by: 22nd December 2025
Approximate cost: ~ $4,000–4,500
Funding: User pays, TTNZ supported event. Deposit required on advice of selection.
The players who will represent New Zealand (NZ) at the ITTF World Para Future Gold Coast 2026 will be selected based on the criteria below. The exact team size and selections are at TTNZ’s discretion after reviewing athlete eligibility and readiness, coaching staff availability, manager and support staff capacity, and all budget and logistical considerations.
Criteria:
- Only players eligible to represent New Zealand in ITTF sanctioned events, including ITTF World Para events will be considered for selection.
- Eligibility is defined as: A player who meets all ITTF requirements; ITTF 2024 Statutes; a NZ citizen who holds a NZ passport and has served any stand-down period as per ITTF regulations.
- A player must be part of the 2026 TTNZ National Para Squad or National Emerging Talent Para Squad.
- Emerging Talent Squad athletes must demonstrate readiness for international exposure.
- A player must be maintaining regular training under an accredited coach (minimum of 2 sessions per week).
- A player must be demonstrating a clear commitment to growth, including technical, tactical, physical and psychological as demonstrated through their personal development plan (IPP).
- A player must have National or International Classification status recognised by TTNZ and/or ITTF.
- A player must participate in the 2026 Para Teams Challenge & National Para Development Camp, 24–28th January*.
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 support persons travelling with the TTNZ 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.
Final Notes:
- Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee selection.
- TTNZ selectors will consider factors such as athlete readiness, international competitiveness, behaviour, health, and overall team balance.
- TTNZ reserves the right to deselect an athlete(s) who fail to meet ongoing requirements prior to departure.
- A player must be prepared to meet all/any costs as this tournament is ‘self-funded’.
- All players selected MUST:
- Confirm their availability and selection in writing within the stated time frames of confirmation.
- Sign a TTNZ Player Agreement and abide by its terms and conditions, at all times.
- Make themselves available for all national team activities designated by TTNZ e.g., national team preparation camp.
*An overseas-based Para player may apply to TTNZ for an exemption, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All final decisions remain at the discretion of TTNZ.