The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has announced a last-minute relocation of the 2026 World Youth Championships, after Bahrain withdrew from hosting duties citing escalating regional security risks.
Originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain from November 21–28, the tournament will now be staged in Istanbul, marking the first time Türkiye will host the prestigious junior event.
The withdrawal by the Bahrain Table Tennis Association was made on the grounds of athlete safety, officials confirmed, amid rising tensions and ongoing conflict in parts of West Asia. The association said the decision prioritised “the safety and well-being of all athletes, officials and delegations.”
The revised hosts, the Türkiye Table Tennis Federation, will stage the competition at the Ata Sporları Merkezi, a venue that has previously hosted World Table Tennis (WTT) events. Organisers say preparations are already underway, with the facility expected to provide a key test run ahead of Türkiye’s wider sporting commitments, including preparations linked to the 2027 European Games.
Kerim Koç, president of the Türkiye Table Tennis Federation, described the development as a milestone for the country’s growing table tennis ambitions.
“Hosting the ITTF World Youth Championships is a significant step forward for us. Welcoming the world’s best young players is exactly the kind of moment that inspires the next generation,” he said.
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Petra Sörling, president of the ITTF, also welcomed the transition, praising Bahrain’s decision to prioritise safety while expressing confidence in the new hosts.
“We are grateful to Bahrain for their understanding and commitment to putting the welfare of our athletes first. Istanbul is a wonderful home for this championship,” she said.
The tournament will feature top junior athletes competing in the Under-19 and Under-15 categories, bringing together emerging talent from across the world.
The relocation highlights growing concerns over regional stability, as sporting bodies continue to adjust international calendars in response to evolving security conditions.
