Ping Pong Against Parkinson’s: Inaugural Shanghai Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championship a Huge Success
On the cold winter day of 20 December 2024, Jing’an Sports Centre in Shanghai was brimming with warmth and energy as individuals with Parkinson’s gathered for the inaugural Shanghai Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championship. Standing at the forefront to advocate for and promote the profound connection between table tennis and improved health for the Parkinson’s community, the ITTF Foundation was thrilled to witness such a meaningful initiative. Events like this not only highlight the therapeutic benefits of table tennis but also foster awareness, celebrate resilience, and unite communities in support of those facing the challenges of Parkinson’s.
With a mission to enhance the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s through table tennis—improving physical ability, promoting social interaction, and raising public awareness—this championship attracted nearly 50 participants from Shanghai, Hong Kong, and beyond. As the competition kicked off, participants defied the tremor in their hands, fighting hard for every point. Each effortful shot depicted their pursuit of a better life. Between matches, heartfelt conversations were shared, stories battling the disorder exchanged, and meaningful friendships forged. Accompanying family members also spontaneously formed cheerleading squads among themselves, deeply moved by the vibrant atmosphere before them.
“Table tennis is addictive,” remarked Chen Yan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 32. Her speech was slow and deliberate, but at the table, her movements took on a dexterity of their own. Chen only picked up the sport two years ago, but she quickly discovered that playing table tennis was way more effective in controlling the disease than taking medication. Thanks to table tennis, she was able to reduce her medication intake to a minimum.
Chen Yan is a member of the Junjian Parkinson’s Table Tennis Team, formed by the Hong Kong Parkinson’s Association. She and her teammates were excited to learn about the event upon its announcement last month, and they immediately signed up with the help of some medical experts. It was their first time playing in a table tennis competition for people with Parkinson’s. At the event, Chen was happy to share her journey battling the disease. For her, participation was the main goal, and she hopes to overcome Parkinson’s positively through table tennis alongside her fellow players.
The “Ping Pong Against Parkinson’s” movement in Shanghai was initiated by Xu Yinsheng, honorary lifetime president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Through this movement, he strives to advocate for people with Parkinson’s and promote the integration of sports and medicine to help those affected.
Over the past year, the Shanghai Table Tennis Association has also been diligently popularising table tennis as a way to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s. The initiative resonates strongly with the Parkinson’s community, drawing more companies and individuals to join the “Ping Pong Against Parkinson’s” movement.
Those affected with Parkinson’s often experience motor fluctuations, also known as the “on/off” phenomenon. They might walk normally one moment, but the next, they may freeze and find themselves unable to move. Despite this challenge, Zhu Jingqiang, who dubs himself “the Commander against Parkinson’s”, always encourages fellow individuals living with Parkinson’s to play table tennis and embrace the beauty of life.
Zhu once took part in a 2000-competitor table tennis event at the age of 18, and never did he imagine that he would be diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He was an electrician. One day, his hands were trembling so much that he could not connect wires.
“Parkinson’s can be devastating and heartbreaking,” said Zhu, teary-eyed. “It can be so destructive that some don’t want to leave their homes or to face the world, but for me, I want to stand up tall. People with Parkinson’s need to share their stories. I want to encourage others to stay positive, keep fighting by playing table tennis, and connect through our shared ‘Parkinson’s language’.”
Whipping out his phone, Zhu proudly showed off the Ping Pong Against Parkinson’s Group, which had grown from its initial 7 or 8 members to a community of almost 80 today. “With the help of the Shanghai Table Tennis Association, we now have a dedicated, free-to-use space to play table tennis every week. Everyone is welcome to join us,” he added.
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders among the elderly, second only to Alzheimer’s. There are around 4.5 million individuals with Parkinson’s globally, 2.2 million of whom are from China. Research has shown that table tennis can be used as a rehabilitation method for the Parkinson’s group: it effectively works the cardiovascular system, improves hand-eye coordination and reaction time, and enhances balance in the limbs. All in all, the sport serves as an excellent “exercise prescription.”
“Years ago, I was amazed when I first heard about table tennis being prescribed as an exercise to prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s,” said Xu Yinsheng. “With ‘Sports-Medical Integration’ picking up as a trend in recent years, table tennis has also contributed to the medical field in its own unique ways, and new forms of integration are continually emerging too.”
According to reports, the Shanghai Table Tennis Association plans to incorporate this championship into its annual calendar of community events, with the goal of growing it into an established, conventional event.
After the first round of competition, table tennis legend Wang Liqin was invited to join the participants in some friendly matches. He complimented their skills and said, “Many participants gave us some valuable suggestions for the event. For next year’s edition, we will work to further improve the competition rules and create a better experience for all.”
“I hope this championship will serve as a beacon that illuminates the knowledge gaps about Parkinson’s disease, inspiring greater care and support from society. It also acts as a new starting point for The Shanghai Table Tennis Association, promoting table tennis as a means of preventing, treating and rehabilitating Parkinson’s disease, while supporting the table tennis journey of those affected by Parkinson’s with better services,” added Wang.
Yuan Hua, Director of Mass Fitness at the Chinese Table Tennis Association, said, “A customised table tennis event for the Parkinson’s community is a true manifestation of the nation’s Mass Fitness campaigns, at the same time attending to groups with special needs. This championship organised by the Shanghai Table Tennis Association will be a paragon of fitness-for-all, further promoting mass fitness within the nation.”
The Shanghai Parkinson’s Table Tennis Championship consists of Men’s and Women’s sub-events, which are further divided into groups A and B. The winners are as follows:
- Men's Group A Champion: Liu Shengping
- Women's Group A Champion: Ji Ping
- Men's Group B Champion: He Jinrong
- Women's Group B Champion: Lu Xiaofang
Building a brighter future against Parkinson’s through table tennis
Even if you couldn’t take part in this Championship, our support is always within reach. No matter where you are, the NeuroPong™ Handbook is here to guide you. Developed through a collaboration between the ITTF Foundation and Table Tennis Connections, this comprehensive resource offers essential knowledge and practical guidance on using table tennis to manage Parkinson’s symptoms. It provides a systematic approach to improving movement, enhancing well-being, and raising the quality of life for those facing the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases.