US and China Hold Joint Table Tennis Training Session
US and Chinese Table Tennis Players Hold Joint Training Session 
In the early hours of today, Beijing time, the official draw ceremony for the WTT US Grand Slam 2026 and a joint training session for athletes from the US and China took place at the Maverick Arena in the Ontario Convention Center. 
The year 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the ‘Ping Pong Diplomacy’ between the US and China. For over half a century, the ‘small ball’ has spun the ‘big ball,’ becoming a symbol of friendly exchanges between the two nations. This tiny silver ball has transcended borders, bringing the people of the US and China together through sports, fostering mutual respect and friendly interactions. As a special prelude to the US Grand Slam, the joint training session between the two countries’ table tennis players continues the spirit of Ping Pong Diplomacy, highlighting the crucial role of sports in uniting people and further promoting the development of table tennis. 
WTT Executive Vice President and USA Table Tennis CEO Shen Weini delivered a welcoming speech, stating: ‘Thank you to WTT and all parties for making today’s US-China table tennis training possible. I am delighted to be here with everyone to celebrate the 55th anniversary of US-China Ping Pong Diplomacy. The exchanges between US and Chinese table tennis will continue, with friendship first!’ 
China Table Tennis Association Secretary-General He Xiao expressed gratitude to all attendees, saying: ‘In recent years, there have been many exchanges and interactions between US and Chinese table tennis, with both sides working together and making progress. I remember the US-China mixed doubles pair winning a medal at the 2021 Houston World Table Tennis Championships. Today, Chinese and American players are here to train together, hoping to pass on the friendship between the US and China.’ 
Huang Hongjiang, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles, said: ‘Welcome to all athletes from around the world coming to Los Angeles to compete. Today’s event will promote the exchange of skills and mutual progress between US and Chinese athletes. I hope the athletes will perform at a high level and wish the US Grand Slam success. I also eagerly anticipate the US and Chinese players striving for better results at the Los Angeles Olympics in two years.’ 
At the event, representatives of the US and Chinese table tennis teams exchanged commemorative gifts and took photos with the guests, capturing the moment of friendly sports exchanges between the two nations. Subsequently, players from both countries engaged in a 45-minute joint training session, with attendees observing the entire process. During the training, players from both nations exchanged techniques, shared experiences, and fostered friendships. On the field, they are fierce competitors, but during training, they are supportive partners, with table tennis serving as their common language. 
In addition to this pre-competition joint training, the US and China will also form two mixed nationality doubles pairs to compete in the tournament: Chinese player Xue Fei will partner with American player Kanak Jha in the men’s doubles, while Chinese junior player Qin Yuxuan will team up with American player Bo Ta in the mixed doubles. 
Source: WTT World Table Tennis
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