China provides temporary home for table tennis

By JACK AMI
The Papua New Guinea Table Tennis Federation (PNGTTF) has a new temporary training facility in Port Moresby, thanks to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
President Xi and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill launched the Butuka Academy at Kila Kila on Friday, paving the way for the federation to use its gym to develop the sport.
Former world women’s singles champion and Olympic Games gold medallist Yining Zhang and PNG men’s singles champion Geoffrey Loi played an exhibition match in the gym.
The former Olympian demonstrated that she is still one of the best in the world.
Earlier this year, O’Neill visited China’s Shanghai University of Sport and met with four PNG players, who were there on a two-month training programme.
PNGTTF president George Shao said it was an honour to welcome President Xi and O’Neill to officiate at the opening of the facility.
Shao said Yining’s visit boosted the morale of tennis players in the National Capital District. “She inspired them and her teaching methods were easy to understand,” Shao said.
“This will put them in the right frame of mind when counter-attacking.
“This new facilities is convenient for table tennis to train our elite players leading up to the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, next year.”
Shao said there were plans for Albert Lahui, David Sepa and brothers Geoffrey and David Loi to return to Shanghai for further training.
Shao commended the Shanghai University of Sports for playing an important role in helping the players to improve their skills and knowledge.
“We have this understanding and partnership to help and develop the sport here in the country,” he said.
“This is why the Chinese business community in Port Moresby are supporting table tennis with cash sponsorships.
“They are our partners who come to our aid when we need them in table tennis.”