Brussels – Stockholm, September 12th, 2023
After four years of waiting, it is the launch of an extraordinary clash of table tennis titans as the Waldner Cup 2023 descends upon Stockholm from November 23rd to 26th. This highly anticipated event will bring together the finest table tennis players from across the globe for an exhilarating face-off between Team World and Team Asia, and it promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
The Waldner Cup, inspired by the spirit of the Ryder Cup in golf and the iconic ping pong diplomacy, stands as a symbol of unity, dialogue, and collaboration on a global stage. This thrilling tournament, a brainchild of table tennis legend Jan Ove Waldner, aims to transcend borders, cultures, and languages to bring the world together around one table.
My next chapter is to lift this sport to the next level. Not just for the sport itself, but for what it means to people, their health, culture, relationships between countries and continents. Ultimately, we build bridges and make peace, says Jan-Ove Waldner.
World-Class Athletes to Watch
Team World, captained by the legendary Jan Ove Waldner, boasts an impressive lineup featuring table tennis luminaries such as Timo Boll, Dimo Ovtcharov, Bernadette Szocs, Adriana Diaz, Truls Møregardh, Hugo Calderano, and the Lebrun brothers from France. Their exceptional skills and fierce determination promise an unforgettable performance.
On the other side of the net, Team Asia, led by the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) Ma Long, is ready to bring their A-game. With stars like Wang Chuqin, Chen Meng, Kasumi Ishikawa as vice-captain, Manika Batra from India, and Lim Jonghoon and Jan Woojin from South Korea, they are poised to give their opponents a run for their money.
I have always had great respect for Waldner, and wanted to support him and the event that is something new and interesting to table tennis. Also, I was very fascinated as this event is much like the Ryder Cup in golf, where the best names from America meet the best golfers in Europe. We have the same here at the Waldner Cup where the best from Asia meets the best from rest of the world. It will be a fantastic event, says Ma Long who will lead Team Asia.
Waldner Cup is a table tennis event the world has never seen before. Rivals unite around the table.
The Waldner Cup is a two-day live broadcasted event, where the best players from Asia China play against the world’s best players in the World. Each team has both male and female players, which are handpicked by the team captains. The team captain picks which players are set up against the rival team for each match. The scoring system is simple; one point per win on the first day of the cup, and two points on the second day. The first team to reach most points win the title as champions of the Waldner Cup.
A Diverse Lineup of Events
The Waldner Cup 2023 is not just a sporting event; it’s a multifaceted celebration of the human spirit. In addition to the thrilling table tennis matches, the tournament will host an array of events, including the Green & Blue Summit, featuring distinguished speakers such as President Emeritus of the European Union H. E. Herman von Rompuy, former EU Commissioner for Transport and Mobility H. E. Violeta Bulc, former UN Deputy Secretary General and Executive director of UN Environment Agency H. E. Erik Solheim, Ambassador Jean de Ruyt, Ambassador (ret.) Piet Steel, Dr. Wang Huiyao, Mr. Victor Gao, to only name a few. This summit will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and international cooperation.
Moreover, the Waldner Cup will showcase the Legends Esport Cup, a captivating blend of technology and sportsmanship, a friendship concert to foster cultural exchange, and a host of other engaging activities that will captivate fans and spectators alike.
Join Us at the Waldner Cup
The Waldner Cup 2023 is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of excellence, sportsmanship, and the power of sport to unite us all. We invite table tennis enthusiasts and sports fans from around the world to be part of this historic event.
Event Details:
● Date: November 23rd to 26th, 2023
● Location: Waterfront Congress Centre, Stockholm
For ticket information, event schedule, and updates, please visit http://www.waldnercup.com
Join us at the Waldner Cup 2023, where the world comes together for the love of table tennis!
For press enquiries:
Matic Gajšek, Director for Europe, Europe – Asia Center
E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org