IOC Confirms Introduction of Mixed Team Event for Table Tennis at Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the addition of a Mixed Team event to the table tennis programme at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This historic development marks a significant step forward for the sport, expanding the Olympic line-up to six events: Men’s and Women’s Singles, the reinstated Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and—for the first time ever at the Olympic Games—the Mixed Team event.
ETTU President Pedro MOURA welcomed the news with enthusiasm, highlighting the significance for European and global table tennis:
“This is excellent news for our sport. The momentum that was built during the Paris Olympic Games is a unique moment for our sport, and the fact that we will have the possibility for another Olympic title—the sixth medal—is perfect news.
Of course, now, we are curious about the qualification process, but I am sure this will be solved in the most constructive way. This outcome reflects the excellent work of actual ITTF leadership is doing, in collaboration with the IOC, to ensure we gain this extra medal at the Olympic Games,” said President MOURA.
The Mixed Team format was first introduced at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu, China, in December 2023. The innovative competition brings together male and female players in unified national teams, showing the sport’s values of gender equality, teamwork, and inclusivity. Its Olympic debut in LA28 is expected to offer fans a strategically rich and emotionally compelling new dimension to table tennis.
ITTF President Petra SÖRLING also praised the IOC’s decision and the sport’s continuing rise on the Olympic stage:
“This landmark decision by the IOC Executive Board builds on the incredible momentum that table tennis is experiencing and highlights its growing global appeal. Following the resounding success of the sport at Paris 2024, the introduction of the Mixed Team event in Los Angeles marks another historic milestone, fully aligned with our vision of a dynamic and inclusive future for table tennis.”
“The ITTF has long believed in the potential of this event. It was first formally proposed by the Swedish Table Tennis Association during the 2021 Annual General Meeting, and brought to life at the inaugural ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu. I extend my sincere thanks to ITTF Deputy President LIU Guoliang for his instrumental role in delivering such a remarkable event, which truly demonstrated the format’s potential.”
Since table tennis made its Olympic debut at Seoul 1988, the sport has continually evolved. The original four events included Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles. At Beijing 2008, Team events replaced Doubles, emphasizing national strength and strategy. Tokyo 2020 marked the debut of Mixed Doubles, promoting further gender balance. Now, with six events confirmed for LA28, table tennis enters a new era of prominence and diversity at the Games.
Adding to the excitement, Men’s and Women’s Doubles will return to the Olympic programme for the first time since Athens 2004. Fans will be eager to see who will follow in the footsteps of former champions CHEN Qi and MA Lin (Men’s Doubles) and WANG Nan and ZHANG Yining (Women’s Doubles).
