Chinese president hails PNG’s affinity with table tennis

Chinese President Xi Jinping, one of the most powerful persons in the world, is delighted with Papua New Guinea’s affinity with table tennis.
National table tennis representative Geoffery Loi had written to Xi on July 15 but never thought that the 66-year-old would respond to his letter.
The Tubusereia villager was taken by surprise when Chinese Embassy deputy chief of mission Yao Ming delivered Xi’s letter to him at the Convention Centre in Port Moresby yesterday.
In his letter, Xi wrote: “I have received your letter, dated July 15, which reminds me of my visit to PNG last year when I watched you and your teammates training with Chinese coaches.
“I am delighted to hear that you all love learning the Chinese language and culture as well as ping pong (table tennis).
“Congratulations to you and the PNG table tennis team for delivering a great performance at the Pacific Games and making your country proud.
“I wish you and your team still greater success.”
Yao said China valued its relationship with PNG through sports and economic ties.
“We will continue to support table tennis in the country as it is the national sport in China,” he said.
Loi said he was grateful to Xi for taking some time out of his busy schedule and to respond to his letter.
“This shows that he (Xi) supports PNG sportsmen and women in their careers,” he said. PNG Table Tennis Federation president George Shao praised the continued support of China and the Chinese business community in the country.
“We are again sending four athletes — Geoffrey, David Loi, Maryann Hane and Leah Taru — to Shanghai University in China to undergo table tennis training for two weeks.
“I thank the China Table Tennis College for it support in helping develop table tennis in the country.”