The Weekend That Changed Spanish Table Tennis

In a stunning display of coordination and skill, Cartagena’s table tennis program achieved what no other Spanish team has done this season: simultaneous promotion for both its senior men’s and women’s teams in the ALSA league. The victories came in back-to-back matches that saw the teams overcome stronger opponents in tense, high-stakes encounters.

The men’s team, led by veteran player Carlos Mendoza (34), secured their promotion with a 3-1 victory over CTM Granada in the final match of the promotion playoff series. The women’s team, captained by Laura Rojas (28), sealed their own promotion with a dramatic 3-2 win over Valencia CTM in the women’s division.

Key Takeaways:

  • First time in ALSA history both men’s and women’s teams from the same city earn promotion in the same season
  • Cartagena now has two teams competing at Spain’s second-highest professional level
  • Both promotions mean automatic qualification for next season’s Copa del Rey competitions
  • Local government has pledged €250,000 in additional funding for table tennis development

Behind the Double Promotion: The Cartagena Phenomenon

The success of Cartagena’s table tennis program stems from a deliberate development strategy implemented by the local sports federation three years ago. The city invested in state-of-the-art training facilities at the Pabellón Municipal de Deportes, which opened in 2024, and established a youth academy that has produced several national junior champions.

From Instagram — related to Pabellón Municipal de Deportes, Cartagena Table Tennis Federation

“What we have is the result of years of work,” said Javier López, technical director of the Cartagena Table Tennis Federation. “We identified a gap in our development pipeline and filled it systematically. Today, we have a complete pathway from U11 players to our senior teams.”

The promotion also marks a significant moment for Spanish table tennis, which has historically lagged behind powerhouses like China, Sweden, and Germany. The double ascent from Cartagena demonstrates growing competitiveness at the domestic level, with both teams now positioned to challenge for national titles in their respective divisions.

Player Spotlight: The Faces of Cartagena’s Success

While the entire teams deserve credit, several players stood out in the promotion matches:

Carlos Mendoza (Men’s Team)

Age: 34 | Nationality: Spanish | Playing Style: Defensive specialist with exceptional counterattack skills

PDM – Temporada 24-25 – Jornada 15 – Fuenlabrada Team TM VS Alsa Cartagena (5 – 1)

Mendoza, who has represented Spain in three European Championships, was the catalyst in Cartagena’s men’s team victory. His 11-9 win in the fifth and decisive game against Granada’s top seed Pablo Ruiz sealed the promotion.

“I’ve played against Pablo many times,” Mendoza said in post-match interviews. “But today, we had the team behind me. That’s what makes the difference at this level.”

Laura Rojas (Women’s Team)

Age: 28 | Nationality: Spanish | Playing Style: All-rounder with powerful forehand and precise placements

Rojas delivered the winning point in the women’s team’s dramatic final match, converting a 20-19 lead against Valencia’s Sofía Martínez in the fifth game. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award.

“We knew we had to be perfect,” Rojas told reporters. “Every point counted, and we didn’t make a single mistake in the last 10 minutes. That’s how you win in these situations.”

What Which means for Spanish Table Tennis

The double promotion has several significant implications for the sport in Spain:

  • National Team Development: Both promoted teams will now compete against higher-level opposition, accelerating the development of Spanish players who may eventually represent the national team in international competitions.
  • Youth Pipeline: The success is expected to inspire more young players in the Murcia region to take up table tennis, with Cartagena’s academy already reporting a 40% increase in registrations since last season.
  • Coaching Exchange: The ALSA league has initiated discussions about potential coaching exchanges between Cartagena and other promoted teams to share best practices.
  • International Visibility: The Spanish Table Tennis Federation (RFETM) has expressed interest in showcasing Cartagena’s program as a model for developing table tennis in other regions.

For Miguel Ángel Blanco, president of the Spanish Table Tennis Federation, the achievement is a testament to Spain’s growing capabilities:

“This is exactly what we need to see more of in Spanish table tennis. When you have a city investing in the sport at all levels, you create a sustainable environment for success. We hope other regions will follow Cartagena’s example.”

Looking Ahead: The Next Challenges

While the promotions are cause for celebration, both teams now face the daunting task of establishing themselves in the ALSA league’s top divisions. The men’s team will open their campaign against CTM Madrid on June 15, while the women’s team takes on Barcelona CTM in their first match.

Looking Ahead: The Next Challenges
Top Division

Coach Enrique Fernández, who leads both teams, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus:

“Promotion is just the beginning. The real work starts now. We need to prove we belong at this level by consistently performing against stronger competition. Our players are hungry, and that’s what will carry us forward.”

The teams will also prepare for next season’s Copa del Rey tournaments, where they’ll compete against some of Spain’s best individual players. This presents an opportunity for standout performers like Mendoza and Rojas to gain additional national recognition.

Next Confirmed Checkpoints:

  • June 15: Men’s team vs. CTM Madrid (ALSA League – Week 1)
  • June 16: Women’s team vs. Barcelona CTM (ALSA League – Week 1)
  • July 1-7: Spanish National Championships (both teams will field players)
  • August 15: ALSA League mid-season break (training camps begin)

How to Follow Cartagena’s Table Tennis Journey

For fans eager to follow Cartagena’s table tennis program, here are the official channels to monitor:

Local fans can also attend matches at the Pabellón Municipal de Deportes in Cartagena, which has a capacity of 1,200 spectators and has become a hub for table tennis enthusiasts in the region.