The U.S. National Table Tennis Championships have begun in San Jose, drawing over 1,100 competitors to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. The event, which started on Friday, will run through July 9 and serves as the country’s largest tournament of its kind.
Participants span multiple age groups and ability levels, including youth, adult, senior, and para-athletes. They will vie for titles across 113 different events. Success in these competitions offers athletes a pathway to join the U.S. National Team.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan participated in the opening activities on Friday. Wearing a San Jose Earthquakes jersey, Mahan engaged in a demonstration match, serving and hitting the ball with a paddle. He described the sport as fast, precise, and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, noting that these qualities align with the city’s character.
In a statement, Mahan welcomed the athletes to San Jose and expressed pride in hosting the event. He encouraged competitors to perform at their best and enjoy the local community.
Virginia Sung, chief executive officer of USA Table Tennis, also issued a statement highlighting the diversity of the participants. She noted that the field includes individuals ranging from eight years old to those in their 80s. The competitors include recreational players, athletes with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, and some of the top players in the nation.
San Jose is located approximately 9 miles northeast of Saratoga.