Guiyang holds World Table Tennis Day 2026 Event

The World Table Tennis Day 2026 Event –themed on "Ping Pong in Parks, Passion via Paddles" and highlighting the 100th anniversary of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) – took place at Zhucheng Square in Guiyang on April 20.

At the opening ceremony, special cultural performances showcasing Guizhou's artistic traditions were presented, blending local ethnic culture, the charm of intangible cultural heritage, and the spirit of table tennis, China's national sport.

A total of 100 table tennis tables were set up on-site, attracting over 1,000 table tennis enthusiasts from across the country to compete and exchange skills. Participants ranged in age from seven to 77, creating a spectacular scene and demonstrating the strong table tennis culture in Guiyang and Guizhou.

Liu Shiwen, executive committee member of ITTF, chair of the ITTF Athletes' Commission, Olympic champion, and world champion, also attended the event, playing and interacting with fans.

In addition, a "national sport into schools" activity was held the same day, with visits to Dushilu Primary School in Nanming district and Guiyang No 1 High School.

Liu interacted with the students and played matches with them, and, by leading through her own example, she helped popularize and promote table tennis, encouraging more young people to fall in love with the sport, participate in it, and strengthen their bodies and willpower through physical activity.

Liu Shiwen (L) plays with a fan at the World Table Tennis Day 2026 Event in Guiyang. [Photo/Guiyang news network]