At the recent China Smash event, World Table Tennis (WTT) CEO Steve Dainton sat down with Sports Scene’s Zhu Mandan for an exclusive interview, discussing Beijing’s hosting of its first major table tennis tournament since the historic 1961 ITTF World Championships, and the remarkable global growth of the sport.
Dainton expressed excitement over Beijing’s return to the international table tennis stage, emphasizing the significance of hosting a major event in the Chinese capital after more than six decades. “Bringing a high-level tournament back to Beijing is a monumental step for both the city and the sport,” he said.
He highlighted how table tennis has evolved from a predominantly Asian sport into a truly global phenomenon. “We’re witnessing an unprecedented rise in popularity across Europe, Africa, and the Americas,” Dainton noted. “Our aim at WTT is to foster this growth by bringing top-tier competitions to new regions and engaging more fans worldwide.”
Discussing the impact of Beijing’s hosting, Dainton believes it will inspire a new generation of players and enthusiasts. “China has always been a powerhouse in table tennis, and showcasing the sport in Beijing once again will not only honor its rich history but also drive its future development globally.”
With initiatives like the China Smash and upcoming international tournaments, WTT continues to promote table tennis as an accessible and exciting sport for all. “Our vision is to make table tennis a truly global sport, and events like these are crucial steps toward that goal,” Dainton concluded.
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Exclusive: WTT CEO Dainton discusses global rise of table tennis
cgtn.com
