The tournament in Granada has a total of 39 world titles at stake and for the first time these will be awarded for women in class one and mixed doubles to improve gender equality.

In total there are 326 athletes from 51 teams competing at the Palacio de los Deportes, a record number since the inaugural edition in 1990.

"The excitement for the event is palpable - the World Para Championships are held every four years, which just adds to the importance of this event for our top athletes," said ITTF President Petra Sörling.

"I would like to commend the Royal Spanish Table Tennis Federation and its delivery partners, particularly the Government of Andalusia region and the Municipality of Granada.

"Our hosts have been outstanding and have prepared an event worthy of its stature.

"I have personally witnessed the evolution of Para table tennis for a decade.

"This World Para Championships is the next level and is providing the players with the splendid stage their performances deserve."

The playing hall has eight tables and a 30-metre screen that fills one side of the arena.

The venue also boasts enhanced accessibility for wheelchair users, with ten specially designed toilets, two ramps for the practice area and two for the entrance installed.

It has fully accessible accommodation and is served by specialist transportation including six low-platform buses.

"It has been so many years working in collaboration with our athletes so that today our dream, and yours, has come true," said Miguel Angel Machado, President of the Royal Spanish Table Tennis Federation.

"This dream is to participate and organise a World Championships in our country, a World Championships that surely all of you will always remember."

The event, which is being hosted for the first time by Spain, is set to conclude on Saturday (November 12).