Cairo Welcomes The World To Their Inaugural Virtus Competition, 2025 Virtus World Table Tennis Championships
The Cairo International Stadium came alive with energy, joy, and excitement as it hosted the grand opening ceremony of the 2025 Virtus World Table Tennis Championships — a historic moment marking Egypt’s first time hosting a Virtus World Championship. The event set a new benchmark of excellence and pride for the nation and the Virtus community.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports; Eng. Amal Mobadda, President of the Egyptian Sports Federation for Intellectual Disabilities (ESFID); Robyn Smith, Virtus Governing Board representative and IPC’s Governing Board member; Major General Ismail El-Far; Dr Amr El-Haddad; Dr Hossam El-Din Mostafa, President of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee; and representatives from the National Bank of Egypt and the Human Rights Sector, along with numerous board members of both ESFID and the Egyptian Paralympic Committee.
Virtus Governing Board representative Robyn Smith (first from left in the first row) and ESFID President, Amal Mobadda (second from left in first row), are attending the opening ceremony of Cairo 2025 along with representatives of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee, ESFID Board members. Photo Credit: ESFID
The event began with a warm welcome to delegates and athletes, followed by the Egyptian national anthem. Mesmerising cultural dance by the Cairo Ballet Institute and Dream band of differently abled added colour, spirit, and authentic Egyptian flair to the evening.
In her inspiring address, Eng. Amal Mobadda said, “This event is more than just a sport competition — it’s a message of hope, a celebration of life, and a bridge of connection between nations.”
She highlighted the pride of hosting the championship soon after the opening of the Egyptian Museum, saying, “In these few days, sporting achievement met with civilizational pride. Here, Egypt’s rich history and bold future will come together.”
She also expressed deep gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, calling him “the strongest supporter of Egyptian sport and the leader whose vision turned ‘differently abled’ into a national symbol of pride and inspiration.”
“I offer my deepest respect and gratitude to His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt – the strongest supporter of Egyptian sport and the leader whose vision turned “differently abled” into a national symbol of pride and inspiration. He announced the amazing news of Egypt winning the bid to host the 2027 Virtus Global Games and honoured us by promising to attend the opening eremony.”
Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized that the championship carries “a humanitarian and civilized message affirming Egypt’s leadership in empowering people of determination.” He commended the collaboration between the Ministry, the Egyptian Paralympic Committee, and ESFID, underscoring their shared mission to strengthen Egypt’s sports system and fulfill the dreams of its champions.
Athletes standing up for the Virtus and Egyptian Anthem at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Virtus World Table Tennis Championship, Cairo.
Representing Virtus, Robyn Smith praised Egypt’s achievement, stating,
“This championship marks a historic moment for Egypt as they host the first Virtus World Championship… In just two years, Egypt will again make history by hosting the 7th Virtus Global Games.”
She encouraged the athletes, adding, “You are the true champions and the heart of this competition. Believe in yourselves, play with pride, and enjoy every moment of this unforgettable journey.”
Athletes from ten nations — Bulgaria, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Macau, Portugal, Neutral, Chinese Taipei, and Turkey — will compete over the next four days for the top honors in Cairo, showcasing skill, sportsmanship, and the unifying spirit of the Virtus movement.
More information about the championship can be found on the championship website.
