Brazilian table tennis star Hugo Calderano etched his name in sports history this month by clinching the men's singles title at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cup in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). The 28-year-old stunned fans by defeating top-ranked Chinese players Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong, becoming the first athlete from the Americas to win the prestigious championship.
In an exclusive interview with CGTN Sports Scene, Calderano reflected on his journey to the pinnacle of the sport, emphasizing the role of relentless training and mental toughness. His victory in Macao, celebrated by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on social media as a "historic achievement," underscores growing global competitiveness in table tennis—a sport long dominated by Chinese athletes.
Calderano’s rise has resonated deeply in China, where fans applaud his dedication to bridging cultural understanding. The athlete, who is learning Mandarin, highlighted how sports diplomacy strengthens bonds between China and Brazil. "Table tennis isn’t just a game—it’s a way to connect people," he remarked.
With the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Doha and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics ahead, Calderano aims to build on his momentum. "This win proves we can challenge anyone," he said, signaling a new era of international rivalry and collaboration in the sport.
