From October 12 to 19, the city of Zadar will become the heart of European table tennis, hosting the European Team Championships 2025. The spectacular Višnjik Sports Hall will welcome 24 men’s and 24 women’s national teams, gathering over 200 elite athletes, including Olympic and European medalists, for eight thrilling days of competition.
This year’s edition carries a special sense of history: Zadar was the stage for the very first European Top 12 tournament in 1971, the event that laid the foundations for Europe’s premier table tennis competitions.
“We are truly thrilled to bring the European Team Championships to Zadar, the hometown of one of Europe’s greatest table tennis players Zoran PRIMORAC. This event represents the pinnacle of our competitions, showing not only the very best players in Europe but also the exceptional spirit and unity that define our sport,” said ETTU President Pedro MOURA.
“We look forward to a week of world-class table tennis, filled with intensity, teamwork, and passion. The European Team Championships always embody the essence of our sport, national pride, fair play, and the highest level of competition. I am confident that both the athletes and the fans will enjoy an unforgettable experience in Zadar.”
ETTU Vice President and President of the Croatian Table Tennis Association (HSTS), Zoran PRIMORAC, a legendary Zadar native and seven-time Olympian, expressed immense pride ahead of the Championship:
“When I became President of the Association, my wish was to bring a major tournament to Croatia. And as someone from Zadar, it was my dream that the event would be held here. I hope this will be a wonderful tournament, a true festival of table tennis. I expect many spectators and fans to come so that we can promote our sport and our city. I am convinced that fans from all over Croatia will come to watch great table tennis stars, Olympic medalists, and to cheer on our own players who will be fighting for medals here,” said PRIMORAC.
Men’s Competition – Sweden Defends, Germany Chases
In 2023, Sweden clinched the European crown, defeating Germany 3–1 in the final. France and Portugal shared the bronze medals. This year, the Swedes enter Zadar as top seeds, led by Anton KÄLLBERG, Mattias FALCK, and Kristian KARLSSON, with Elias RANEFUR.
Germany, seeded third, returns with Benedikt DUDA, Patrick FRANZISKA, and Dang QIU forming a world-class trio eager to reclaim the title they held in 2021.
France (seed 2) remains a major contender with the LEBRUN brothers, Félix and Alexis, supported by Simon GAUZY and Thibault PORET, while Portugal (seed 4) again fields its experienced lineup of Tiago APOLONIA, João MONTEIRO, João GERALDO backed up with young Tiago ABIODUN.
The host nation Croatia (seed 7), powered by Andrej GAĆINA, Tomislav PUCAR, and Filip ZELJKO, will rely on home energy to reach the later rounds. Other teams to watch include Denmark (seed 5, with Anders LIND and Jonathan GROTH), Romania (seed 6, featuring Ovidiu and Eduard IONESCU), and Slovenia (seed 11, led by Darko JORGIĆ).
Women’s Competition – Germany Targets a Record 10th Title
The German women’s team continues to set the standard in Europe. After their commanding 3–0 victory over Romania in the 2023 final, the reigning champions arrive in Zadar as top seeds with Sabine WINTER, Nina MITTELHAM, and Yuan WAN, supported by rising stars Annett KAUFMANN and Mia GRIESEL.
Romania, the silver medalist and five-time European champion, is again among the favorites with Bernadette SZŐCS, Elizabeta SAMARA, Adina DIACONU, and Elena ZAHARIA.
The French team (seed 3), Yuan Jia NAN, Prithika PAVADE, and Charlotte LUTZ, aims to challenge for gold after reaching the 2023 semifinals. Portugal (seed 4) completes the top four, led by Fu YU and Jieni SHAO.
Croatia, seeded 7, hopes for a deep run at home with Lea RAKOVAC, Ivana MALOBABIĆ, Hana ARAPOVIĆ, and Mateja Jeger MAJSTOROVIĆ.
Historic Atmosphere Ahead
With top-class lineups, historic legacy, and passionate hosts, Zadar 2025 promises to deliver one of the most memorable European Team Championships in recent years a true celebration of excellence, sportsmanship, and European unity through table tennis.
The competition runs from October 12 to 19 at Višnjik Sports Hall, where Europe’s best will once again battle for glory and for a place in the sport’s history books.
