The city is hosting the 2023 NZ Table Tennis Nationals at ILT Stadium Southland, which began on Saturday.
NZ Table tennis chief executive Warren Ogilvie said the last time Southland hosted such an event was about 20 years ago.
"It’s very important that we share the venues and the locations of the national events throughout the country.
"So, we’ve been delighted to utilise the facility here — we need a big stadium to hold at least 18 to 20 tables and this venue is ideal."
The event started with the junior teams for girls and boys in under-13, 15 and 19 grades on Saturday before the individual singles and doubles titles for those age-groups were contested from Monday, he said.
There were about 30 players from Southland among the 250 athletes from across the country as well from the Cook Islands and New Caledonia, he said.
"They’re certainly enjoying this experience and gaining great table time with our kiwis."
Invercargill’s Abigail Bottger was taking part in the national event for the first time.
The 13-year-old has been playing table tennis for about three years.
She was pleased to have such an important competition in her hometown.
"It is a great opportunity because usually it’s in the North Island or Christchurch and it’s also a good opportunity to play people of different styles and techniques."
When asked her favourite thing about the sport, she said it was something she could compete in while also having fun.
"It’s just the competitive side of it, but all the people are so nice. And it’s just fun to have a hit around and get really into it."
