Shanghai university to continue support: Shao

By JACK AMI
THE Shanghai University of Sport has pledged its support towards the Papua New Guinea Table Tennis Federation (PNGTTF) in its efforts to develop the sport in the country, according to an official.
During the Apec summits in Port Moresby, Shanghai University of Sport manager Zhang Kai was among a number of Chinese officials who visited the new Butuka Academy to show their support for PNGTTF.
The academy gym is the new temporary home of table tennis in the country.
“The Chinese delegation praised the development of table tennis in the country,” PNGTTF president George Shao said.
He said the partnership between the Shanghai University of Sport and PNGTTF would have a great impact in the sport’s development.
“That is why four of our players — Geoffrey Loi, David Loi, Albert Lahui and David Sepa — will return to Shanghai for further training next year,” Shao said.
“I have big plans for table tennis in PNG and I’m committed to see our elite men and women win gold at the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.”
National table tennis head coach Rea Loi said the partnership was the way forward for PNG to produce quality players.
“I’m proud that our four boys are going back to Shanghai to improve their skills ahead of the 2019 Pacific Games,” Loi said.
“This will give us a good chance in Samoa, unlike previous years.
“Our women are improving too.
“I thank the Chinese government, Shanghai University of Sport and the China Table Tennis College for their support to develop the code in PNG.”