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, showcasing the nation’s emerging sports tourism potential.
Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has been announced as the Destination Partner for this groundbreaking event, which brings together 120 international and local players aged 35 and above. The tournament is a collaborative effort between Thoddoo Local Authority Company (TLAC), Ihaa Table Tennis Academy (ITTA), and supported by key national sports organizations, including the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation and the Table Tennis Association of Maldives.
More than just a competitive sporting event, the tournament represents a strategic initiative to diversify the Maldives’ tourism offerings and demonstrate the country’s capabilities in hosting world-class international sporting competitions. The event will be hosted at Thoddoo’s multi-purpose school hall, providing a unique platform for cultural exchange and community engagement.
Strategic Tourism Development
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, emphasized the broader significance of the tournament. “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 event is strategically designed to create multiple benefits, including economic opportunities for the local community, international exposure for the destination, and a platform for cultural interaction among participants from diverse backgrounds.
By hosting the 1st Thoddoo Masters Table Tennis Tournament, the Maldives aims to position itself as an innovative destination that goes beyond traditional beach tourism. The tournament demonstrates the country’s ability to leverage sports as a powerful tool for destination marketing, community development, and international engagement.
The initiative aligns with the Maldives’ broader tourism strategy of diversifying its offerings and creating unique, memorable experiences for international visitors. By combining world-class sporting events with the destination’s renowned natural beauty and hospitality, the Maldives is carving out a distinctive niche in the global tourism market.
As sports tourism continues to grow worldwide, this tournament represents a forward-thinking approach to destination development, showcasing the Maldives’ potential to attract international visitors through innovative and engaging sporting events.
