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 been announced as the Destination Partner for this groundbreaking sporting event.
Organized collaboratively by Thoddoo Local Authority Company (TLAC) and Ihaa Table Tennis Academy (ITTA), the tournament has received official endorsement 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 expand the Maldives’ tourism landscape beyond traditional beach and luxury experiences. By bringing together 120 international and local players aged 35 and above, the event aims to showcase the country’s potential as a dynamic sports tourism destination.
Hosted at Thoddoo’s multi-purpose school hall, the competition is designed to achieve multiple objectives. Beyond the athletic competition, the tournament will create significant opportunities for cultural exchange, community engagement, and economic development for the local island community.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, emphasized the strategic importance of the event, stating, “This tournament highlights our commitment to expanding the Maldives’ tourism horizon. 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’s significance extends beyond immediate sporting competition. It represents a forward-thinking approach to tourism development, demonstrating the Maldives’ ability to host world-class sporting events while simultaneously promoting the country’s natural beauty and hospitality infrastructure.
By positioning sports as a key component of its tourism strategy, the Maldives is signaling its intent to diversify and expand its international appeal. The 1st Thoddoo Masters Table Tennis Tournament serves as a pioneering model for future sports tourism initiatives, potentially attracting a new demographic of travelers interested in combining athletic pursuits with extraordinary travel experiences.
This innovative approach not only benefits the local economy but also provides a platform for international cultural exchange and community development. The tournament underscores the Maldives’ commitment to creating multifaceted, engaging tourism experiences that go beyond traditional leisure activities.
As the global travel landscape continues to evolve, the Maldives is demonstrating its adaptability and vision by embracing sports tourism as a key strategy for national development and international engagement.
