During China’s week-long National Day holiday, Beijing’s Shougang Park has emerged as a vibrant hub for both sports enthusiasts and tourists. For the first time since 1961, the Chinese capital hosted a major international table tennis event, the 2024 WTT China Smash, featuring the world’s top players in the sport.
The tournament, held just two months after the Paris Olympics, marked a significant moment in Beijing’s sporting history. The city last hosted such a prestigious table tennis competition when it welcomed athletes from around the world for the World Championships over six decades ago.
The excitement was palpable as thousands of fans flocked to Shougang Park, eager to witness high-level table tennis action. Tickets were in high demand, underscoring the sport’s immense popularity in China.
Steve Dainton, CEO of World Table Tennis, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the event back to Beijing. “We are very proud and very happy that we can come back to the capital of China, Beijing,” Dainton shared in an interview with Sports Scene’s Zhu Mandan. “In 1961, we held the first ever ITTF Table Tennis World Championships in Beijing, China, and we are now holding the first ever WTT Grand Smash in Beijing. It will be a wonderful and historic moment, and we are very happy to be here in the most important city in this wonderful country.”
Shougang Park, once an industrial site, has been transformed into a modern cultural and recreational destination. Its selection as the venue for the WTT China Smash not only highlights Beijing’s commitment to promoting sports but also showcases the city’s ability to blend history with contemporary developments.
Visitors to the park during the holiday were treated to more than just world-class table tennis. The area offered a variety of cultural experiences, food stalls, and interactive exhibits, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists.
The successful hosting of the 2024 WTT China Smash is expected to boost Beijing’s reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events. It also reflects the growing global appeal of table tennis, a sport deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
As the tournament concluded, fans and players alike looked forward to future events in Beijing, hopeful that the city’s rich sporting legacy will continue to flourish.
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Beijing hailed for hosting 1st major table tennis event since 1961
cgtn.com
