The opening ceremony of the 2026 European Youth Championships was held in Gondomar, marking the official start of one of the most important events on the European table tennis calendar.
European Table Tennis Union President Pedro MOURA welcomed all participants to Gondomar and expressed his gratitude to the institutions and individuals involved in staging the Championships.
The ceremony brought together athletes, coaches, officials and distinguished guests, including President of the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation Fernando MALHEIRO, Councillor for Sport, Municipality of Gondomar José Fernando MOREIRA, Secretary of State for Sport Pedro DIAS and Regional Delegate of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth Vítor DIAS .
“It is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 European Youth Championships here in the wonderful city of Gondomar,” said President MOURA. “On behalf of the European Table Tennis Union, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Portuguese Government, the Municipality of Gondomar, the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation, our partners, volunteers, officials and everyone whose dedication has made this Championship possible.”
President MOURA emphasised that the European Youth Championships represent much more than the pursuit of sporting success.
“This event is about much more than medals. It is about bringing together the next generation of European table tennis, inspiring excellence, building friendships across borders and promoting the values of respect, fair play and unity through sport.”
He also praised Portugal’s continued commitment to organising major international table tennis events.
“Portugal once again demonstrates its outstanding commitment and ability to host major international events, and I am confident that Gondomar will provide an unforgettable experience for everyone taking part.”
Addressing the young players directly, President MOURA encouraged them to embrace the occasion and enjoy every moment of the competition.
“To all our young athletes: compete with passion, respect your opponents, enjoy every moment and make memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. I wish you all an excellent Championship.”
The ceremony officially opened the Championships and set the stage for several days of competition featuring Europe’s leading young table tennis players.
Secretary of State for Sport Pedro DIAS welcomed all participating nations to Gondomar, describing the Championships as one of Europe’s most important youth sporting events and a source of great pride for Portugal.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Gondomar for the 2026 European Youth Table Tennis Championships. Portugal is proud to host one of Europe’s most important youth sporting events. Over the coming days, Gondomar will welcome Europe’s most promising young table tennis players, competing with passion, respect and team spirit. Your presence honours Portugal and enriches this Championship. I would also like to send a special message of encouragement to the Portuguese team, proudly representing our country. May every delegation enjoy an unforgettable experience in Portugal. I hope these Championships become much more than a competition, inspiring personal growth, friendship, cultural exchange and fair play. I wish every athlete, coach and delegation a memorable stay in Portugal, and I hope Gondomar becomes a place of friendship, unforgettable experiences and sporting excellence.”
President of the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation Fernando MALHEIRO thanked everyone involved in bringing the event to Portugal and underlined the values at the heart of the Championships.
“This event is an opportunity to demonstrate our organisational excellence and to celebrate the values that unite our sport, respect, friendship, fair play and sporting excellence. I warmly invite all table tennis fans to join us throughout the Championships. Your support will help create a memorable atmosphere and inspire our young athletes. On behalf of the Portuguese Table Tennis Federation, I wish every participant an excellent Championship.”
Councillor for Sport of the Municipality of Gondomar José Fernando MOREIRA highlighted the significance of hosting athletes from across Europe and the lasting legacy the event will leave for the city.
“Hosting these European Championships is a moment of great pride for Gondomar and for Portugal. It reflects the quality of our sports facilities, the dedication of our partners and our long-standing commitment to sport and major international events. With athletes, coaches and delegations from 44 European countries, Gondomar once again becomes a place of sport, friendship and international cooperation. These Championships are about much more than medals. They celebrate the values that unite us, respect, friendship, determination, equal opportunities, team spirit and fair play. To all the athletes, enjoy every moment, challenge yourselves, honour the values of sport and grow both as players and as people. I hope everyone visiting Gondomar feels at home and leaves with the image of a welcoming city that is passionate about sport. I am confident these Championships will leave a lasting legacy, inspire future generations and further strengthen Gondomar’s position as a leading destination for major sporting events.”
