Australian Veteran Table Tennis Player Returns to China after 53 Years and Praises Liaoning Sports

On March 20, the "China-Australia Ping-Pong Diplomacy Photo Exhibition and China-Australia Table Tennis Exchange" event, co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Liaoning Province, Liaoning Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Australian Consulate-General in Shenyang, was held at the gymnasium of Liaoning University.

 

Event scene (Photo by Zhang Qi)

A table tennis exchange delegation made up of Australian national table tennis team veteran athlete Paul Pinkewich and young athletes from Australia, joined representatives of the Liaoning provincial table tennis team as well as teachers and students from Liaoning University to view historical photos related to China-Australia "Ping-Pong Diplomacy". They also had an interactive exchange with the university's faculty and students.

 

A mixed team of players from both China and Australia in an exhibition match (Photo by Zhang Qi)

 

53 years ago, the Australian table tennis team came to China from afar, taking table tennis as a means to start an ice-breaking journey between the two countries. 53 years later, those who were once part of this historic event set foot on this land again, writing a new chapter for the friendly exchanges between China and Australia.

 

Paul Pinkewich (right) and Hou Xiaoxu, former Chinese national team table tennis player and Liaoning University teacher, presenting an exhibition match (Photo by Zhang Qi)

Paul Pinkewich (second from right) signing the table tennis racket (Photo by Wang Yuwen)

 

At the event, a mixed team of players from both China and Australia participated in friendly matches, showcasing their table tennis skills. Paul Pinkewich expressed his hope that the younger generation would carry forward the spirit of "Ping-Pong Diplomacy", strengthen communication, and grow together.

 

On the same day, Paul Pinkewich and his team also visited the Shenyang Sport University to observe a table tennis training session. Impressed by the advanced training equipment at the university, he said, "After returning to Australia, I will encourage more Australian table tennis players and coaches to come to China and experience the training facilities firsthand."