• Galaxy Arena played host to the “ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2026 Presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group” table tennis tournament from 30 March to 5 April.
• GEG also fulfilled its corporate social responsibility by rolling out a wide range of community-based extension programs during the week.

With the much-anticipated “ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2026 Presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group” having taken place from 30 March to 5 April at Galaxy Arena, Macau is once again in the global spotlight for international sport.

Marking the centenary of the ITTF, GEG not only brought more elite competition to the city but alongside the tournament also actively fulfilled its corporate social responsibility by rolling out a wide range of community-based extension programs. This expanded the impact of world-class sport beyond the arena and into neighborhoods, schools and families.

Elite Players Gather at the Galaxy Arena
The tournament boasts a highly competitive line-up. Sanctioned by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), and organized by the Sports Bureau, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) and World Table Tennis Management Group Limited (WTMG), with the Macau Table Tennis General Association as co-organizer, this year’s event brings together 48 male and 48 female world-class players.

The entry list is star-studded. On the women’s side, defending champion Sun Yingsha is widely regarded as a leading contender, joined by national team players including Wang Manyu, Chen Xingtong and Wang Yidi, all of whom bring formidable strength to the field. On the men’s side, key national team players such as Wang Chuqin, Lin Shidong and Liang Jingkun will take on a strong international line-up, including Hugo Calderano, the ITTF Men’s World Cup Macao 2025 champion, in a series of high-level showdowns.

After seven days of high-intensity battles, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha were ultimately crowned the Men’s and Women’s World Cup champions, respectively.

Distinguished guests attending the award ceremony included: Mr. Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR; Mr. Zhang Yingjie, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Ms. Petra Sörling, ITTF President and IOC Member; Ms. Lei Si Leng, Acting President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Ms. Virginia Sung, ITTF Executive Vice President; Ms. Liu Shiwen, ITTF Athletes’ Commission Co-Chair; Mr. Bart Vermoesen, ITTF Event Director; Mr. Francis Lui, Chairman of GEG; Mr. Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of GEG; Ms. Nicole Chen, Vice President of World Table Tennis Management Group; Mr. Wang Liqin, President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association; Mr. Tony Yue, President of the Hong Kong, China Table Tennis Association; Mr. João Ma Chi Tat, Chairman of the Macau Table Tennis Association; Mr. Daniar Akhmetov, Executive Director of the Table Tennis Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Mr. Tang Dongliang, Executive Deputy General Manager of Luzhou Laojiao Co., Ltd.

GEG is honored to once again organize the ITTF Men’s World Cup Macao in collaboration with the Sports Bureau and ITTF for the third consecutive year. It also expressed its sincere appreciation to the world’s top table tennis athletes for their outstanding performances, which enabled Macau audiences to experience the excitement and prestige of a world-class tournament up close, and showcased Macau’s unique charm as a “tourism + sports” destination.

16 years of partnership with MSO
In partnership with the Macau Special Olympics (MSO), GEG successfully staged the “Celebrating ITTF Centenary – GEG Macau Special Olympics Inclusive Table Tennis Fun Day 2026” at Galaxy Macau and Broadway Macau, drawing nearly 1,000 participants and adding a warm, inclusive dimension to Macau’s “City of Sport” vision.

Since 2011, GEG has worked hand in hand with MSO to co-host the “GEG Macau Special Olympics Inclusive Table Tennis Fun Day”. This year marked the 16th consecutive edition of the event. Over time, the Fun Day has become a recognized platform in Macau for promoting inclusive participation through sport. With the support of the ITTF during its centenary year, the 2026 edition further elevated its scale and significance – linking an international sporting legacy with community care and shared participation at the local level.

The opening ceremony was held in the morning on 29 March at the East Square of Galaxy Macau, attended by distinguished guests including Chen Kun, Level IV Division Rank Official, Department of Social Development, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR;  Chan Hoi Fong, Acting Head of Sports Development Department, Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Wong Chun Kit, Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR Government; Bart Vermoesen, ITTF Event Director; Annie Loi, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility of Public Relations, GEG; Dr Sze Tat Ming, Chairman of MSO), among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vermoesen said it was a privilege to celebrate ITTF’s centenary alongside GEG and MSO, adding that 16 editions of the event demonstrates a sustained commitment to inclusion. He noted that table tennis is one of the most accessible sports globally and that initiatives like the Fun Day reflect the ITTF spirit of “table tennis for all, for life.”

Siu expressed appreciation for GEG’s continued support in promoting inclusive values and community harmony, and thanked ITTF representatives for connecting Macau’s local initiative with a century-long international sporting heritage. He reaffirmed MSO’s belief that sport is a strong platform for equality and inclusion, as well as its commitment to helping build a warmer, more diverse and cohesive Macau.

Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of GEG, said that while GEG actively hosts major international sporting events, it also leverages its resources to strengthen the link between sports and the community through diverse initiatives. He added that, riding on the momentum of the ITTF World Cup Macao, the Fun Day further amplifies its community impact by promoting unity and inclusivity.

Matches, inclusive doubles and the new “Caregivers Challenge”
Following the opening, activities moved to Broadway Macau, where a series of table tennis matches provided a platform for athletes of different abilities to compete, interact and exchange experiences. This year also introduced the new “Caregivers Challenge,” encouraging parents and caregivers of individuals with special needs to participate, broadening opportunities for diverse involvement and highlighting wellbeing through active engagement.

GEG also arranged for members of the GEG Staff Social Club’s Table Tennis Team to team up with MSO athletes in the “Inclusive Doubles,” demonstrating inclusion through teamwork and mutual support. In addition, interactive game booths incorporating table tennis elements offered a fun and approachable way for participants to engage with the sport.

Table Tennis players bring inclusion into schools
As part of the Fun Day series, the program expanded into schools for the first time. Through GEG’s Inclusive Creative Arts Projects for “Empathy in Action,” GEG joined hands with MSO to launch the “DIY Table Tennis Ball Night Light Inclusive Workshop” across several schools, engaging over 120 teachers, students and individuals with special needs to create ping pong ball night lamps themed around “Celebrating ITTF Centenary.” After online voting, selected creations were showcased and award-winning entries were recognized at the Fun Day.

With ITTF’s support, GEG also invited Doo Hoi Kem, a player participating in the ITTF World Cup Macao, and rising national talent Zhu Ziyu to visit Concordia School for Special Education during the tournament. The two athletes decorated the night lamps alongside students with special needs and MSO members, wrote messages of encouragement on the bases and patiently guided participants through grip and serving techniques via interactive games – helping children experience the joy and power of sport in an encouraging setting. Participating students were also invited to watch World Cup matches, extending the tournament’s excitement into educational and community spaces.

“World Cup Second Classroom” and Community Match Viewing
Beyond inclusion programs, GEG also promoted youth engagement and sports exchange through educational initiatives. Earlier, GEG arranged for more than 20 members of the Faculty of Social Sciences Student Association of the University of Macau to join the organizing committee’s “World Cup Second Classroom.” Students visited the media center and signal production studio to learn about the broadcast workflow of an international sporting event and had close interaction and photo opportunities with national team player Han Feier. The itinerary also included visits to on-site attractions at Galaxy Macau, such as the Diamond Lobby, GalaxyArt, the “Love Between Fairy and Devil” VR Immersive Experience Center and G Box, broadening students’ creative horizons through diverse experiences.

GEG further invited over 200 participants from 13 local universities and social service organizations to attend World Cup matches and experience the intensity of world-class competition in person. Participating groups included Lui Che Woo College of the University of Macau, Macao University of Tourism, Caritas Macau, Tung Sin Tong Elderly Activity Centre, Bosco Youth Service Network, Richmond Fellowship of Macau, Concordia School for Special Education and others – including MSO athletes who had participated in the Fun Day and members of GEG’s Staff Social Club table tennis team.

Fan interactions light up East Square
At East Square of Galaxy Macau, fans also enjoyed close interaction with top athletes including Doo Hoi Kem, Zhou Qihao and Qin Yuxuan, with autograph signing, photos and exchanges creating an energetic atmosphere. Adding a fun highlight, Tom and Jerry made a surprise appearance, while a giant inflatable installation became a popular photo spot – bringing a festive tone to the tournament week.