The Maldives is set to host its inaugural international table tennis tournament, the 1st Thoddoo Masters Table Tennis Tournament (TMTT), from August 19–25, 2025, in Thoddoo, Maldives. Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has announced its role as the Destination Partner for this groundbreaking sporting event.
Organized by Thoddoo Local Authority Company (TLAC) and Ihaa Table Tennis Academy (ITTA), the tournament has received high-level endorsements from the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, the Table Tennis Association of Maldives, and Visit Maldives Corporation.
The tournament represents a strategic initiative to showcase the Maldives’ emerging potential in sports tourism. Featuring 120 international and local players aged 35 and above, the event aims to do more than just host a competitive sporting competition. It seeks to demonstrate the country’s capacity to organize world-class sporting events while highlighting its natural beauty and hospitality.
Scheduled to take place at Thoddoo’s multi-purpose school hall, the tournament is expected to generate significant economic and cultural benefits for the local community. This approach aligns with the Maldives’ broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional beach and luxury experiences.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, emphasized the strategic importance of the event. “This tournament highlights our commitment to expanding the Maldives’ tourism horizon,” Shiuree stated. “Sports tourism is a rapidly growing sector, and by supporting international tournaments such as TMTT, we reinforce the Maldives’ global image as more than a leisure destination — but also a vibrant hub for sports, wellness, and lifestyle experiences.”
The tournament represents a significant milestone in the Maldives’ tourism development strategy. By creating opportunities for cultural exchange, community engagement, and international visibility, the 1st Thoddoo Masters Table Tennis Tournament aims to position the destination as an innovative and dynamic sports tourism destination.
Beyond the competitive aspects, the event underscores the Maldives’ commitment to developing alternative tourism models that benefit local communities and showcase the country’s versatility as a global destination. The tournament is expected to attract international attention and potentially open new avenues for sports-related tourism in the archipelago.
