Bridging New Territory and Spreading Inspiration: ITTF Foundation’s Journey of Outlook and Engagement in China

In the past month, the ITTF Foundation team embarked on an inspiring journey to China, visiting Shanghai and Beijing on the occasion of two major events — the inaugural National Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships in Shanghai and the 2025 WTT China Smash in Beijing.

The visit opened new doors for connection, engagement, and collaboration with China’s Parkinson’s and table tennis communities. It allowed us to learn first-hand about the sport’s cultural and social development in the country and to share our mission — harnessing table tennis as a tool for health, inclusion, and positive change — with a wider audience. Throughout the trip, we experienced meaningful conversations, knowledge sharing, and genuine moments of inspiration with players, officials, fans, and partners alike.

ITTF Foundation at the Inaugural Chinese National Parkinson’s Championships in Shanghai

Following two successful editions of the Shanghai Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships in 2024 and earlier this year, the first-ever National Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championships in China took place on 21 September in Shanghai.

Organised by the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), with support from the Shanghai Table Tennis Association and the Jing’an District Sports Federation, the event brought together 102 players from 16 provinces and cities, all united by their passion for table tennis and their determination to live actively with Parkinson’s disease.

The ITTF Foundation was honoured to be invited by the CTTA and the Shanghai Table Tennis Association to attend the event. With CTTA President Wang Liqin delivering an inspiring opening speech and ITTF Honorary President Xu Yinsheng officially launching the competition, the vibrant tournament took place with joy and energy.

Watching players with Parkinson’s compete, connect, and demonstrate such remarkable resilience was deeply moving. The event stood as a true example of table tennis for health and resonated with the spirit of our World Table Tennis for Health Festival, showcasing how table tennis can bridge medical and social dimensions to enhance lives.

With our shared commitment alongside CTTA to improving health through table tennis, we look forward to continuing to grow the Parkinson’s table tennis community together.

A Journey Through Table Tennis History

While in Shanghai, we also had the pleasure of visiting the ITTF Museum and the China Table Tennis Museum, where we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Yao Zhenxu. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of table tennis — from the sport’s early origins to its inclusion in the Olympic movement and its deep-rooted development in China.

We left inspired and grateful to all those who have contributed to shaping the legacy of our sport. It was a reminder that the ITTF Foundation is not only part of this history but also continuing to write new chapters by advancing table tennis as a force for good worldwide.

ITTF Foundation at the 2025 WTT China Smash in Beijing

From 28 September to 5 October, the Foundation was proud to join the WTT China Smash in Beijing for the very first time, hosting a booth at the vibrant and lively Smash Park — a fan zone that welcomed more than 10,000 table tennis fans daily.

In collaboration with World Table Tennis (WTT), the Foundation also took the opportunity to promote our initiatives and highlight the upcoming 2025 World Table Tennis for Health Festival on the ITTF Foundation Day during the Smash, allowing the spectators and the broad Chinese and global table tennis fans to learn about our mission and initiatives in using table tennis for positive change.

At our interactive booth, a mini table tennis setup, hand-crafted creative rackets, hand–eye coordination games, and our newly designed Foundation keychains, T-shirts, and items were featured. Every day, fans of all ages — from local families to international visitors, players, and media — stopped by to play, laugh, and engage with us.

They learned about our mission and inspiring stories from around the world, discovering how table tennis can be a tool for health, inclusion, and positive social change.

Many took part in our fun challenges, improving their coordination skills in minutes, while others sparked heartfelt conversations about how sport can transform lives. Seeing their joy and curiosity reaffirmed why we do what we do.

We were also delighted to welcome many special guests, including ITTF & ITTF Foundation President Petra Sörling, ITTF Foundation Governing Board Member Mr. Lei Zhenjian, and ITTF Group CEO Steve Dainton, along with countless passionate fans and friends of the sport who came to play, chat, and support our mission.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to Butterfly, whose generous donation of high-quality T-shirts helped us raise additional funds. These shirts became tokens of appreciation for visitors who donated to support our cause — and a tangible way for them to stay connected with our mission.

Looking Ahead

Our time in China was incredibly rewarding, filled with inspiration, new partnerships, and shared enthusiasm to expand the Foundation’s work in a region where table tennis is deeply cherished.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Chinese Table Tennis Association, Shanghai Table Tennis Association, World Table Tennis, and the China Smash local organising committee for their warm welcome and invaluable support.

To everyone who visited our booth, joined our activities, asked thoughtful questions, or contributed to our cause — thank you. Your energy fuels our mission to make the world a better place through table tennis.

As we look ahead, we are excited to continue strengthening our collaboration with China and explore more ways to advance social impact through table tennis. Until then, we remain committed to telling powerful stories, building meaningful connections, and transforming lives.

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