The 2026 South Island Open Championships (individual and para) open tomorrow and run until Sunday at the Edgar Centre.
The championships have attracted 146 entries, up from 126 in 2024.
Of these, 50 players are from Otago, showcasing strong local presence and support for table tennis.
A key feature is the continued inclusion of para events, which were introduced four years ago at the tournament.
Otago has played an important role in this space, with regular training and strong backing helping more para players get involved.
In a statement, Table Tennis Otago president Chris Button said the championships were an important moment for the region.
"Having a national event here in Dunedin means a lot to our community. It gives our local players the chance to compete at a high level on home ground, and it brings people together around the sport," Button said.
"It is also a great chance for us to showcase what we are building here in Otago, from our players to our wider table tennis community.
"Para sport is a big part of that story. It creates opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved, builds confidence, and shows how inclusive our sport can be.
"Para table tennis has been part of Table Tennis Otago for many years, even before para events were included in the South Island Open Championships and we are proud to see it continue to grow.
"It is also great to see so many Otago players taking part in this year’s championships."
Among those competing are Otago para athletes Ken McIntosh and John Marrable, who will take part in the para class 1 to 5 singles (wheelchair) events.
Ken McIntosh lives with tetraplegia and has no movement from the neck down, with limited mobility in his hands.
He said table tennis had a big impact on his life, helping him stay active and connected.
John Marrable has been part of the Otago table tennis scene for decades. He first took up the sport in 1967 as part of his rehabilitation and began competing in 1976. He continues to challenge himself, competing not only in para events but also in open grades.
At the South Island Open Championships, he will also compete in the over-60 singles and doubles categories.
Marrable said he valued the introduction of para events, which provided fairer competition.
When he first started, he competed only against able-bodied players and felt he had around a 50% chance of winning.
He said he now enjoyed competing on a more level playing field while still testing himself in open grades.
McIntosh and Marrable train regularly with Ben Duffy at Table Tennis Otago.
The association has been running a dedicated Sunday para training programme for the past six to seven years, helping build a consistent and supportive pathway for players in the region.
Table Tennis New Zealand chief executive Izania Downie said tournaments like this were important for the growth of the sport.
"Table Tennis Otago Association has always been a strong supporter of the sport and it is great to see them hosting a national event like this.
"The association has also done a lot of work in the para space over the years, creating opportunities for players of all abilities to be part of the game. That kind of commitment makes a real difference.
"Events like this bring people together, and it is nice to see the table tennis community come together in Dunedin."
The tournament is free for spectators, and the public is encouraged to come along and enjoy the action across the three days. — Allied Media
