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, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sports tourism strategy.
Organized by Thoddoo Local Authority Company (TLAC) and Ihaa Table Tennis Academy (ITTA), the tournament has received high-profile endorsements from the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, the Table Tennis Association of Maldives, and Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC).
The event will bring together 120 international and local players aged 35 and above, transforming the tournament into a broader platform for cultural exchange and community engagement. By hosting this competition, the Maldives aims to demonstrate its capacity to organize world-class sporting events while simultaneously showcasing the nation’s natural beauty and hospitality.
Scheduled to take place at Thoddoo’s multi-purpose school hall, the tournament represents more than just a sporting competition. It embodies a strategic initiative to diversify tourism offerings and create meaningful economic opportunities for local communities.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, emphasized the broader vision behind the event: “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 athletic competition. It serves as a critical platform for positioning the Maldives as a premier sports tourism destination, while simultaneously generating tangible benefits for local island economies and enhancing the nation’s international profile.
By strategically leveraging sports as a tourism catalyst, the Maldives is pioneering an innovative approach to destination marketing. The 1st Thoddoo Masters Table Tennis Tournament represents a forward-thinking model of how sporting events can drive economic development, promote cultural exchange, and showcase a destination’s multifaceted appeal.
As the global travel landscape continues to evolve, the Maldives is demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to offering diverse, engaging experiences that go far beyond traditional beach tourism.