HARARE, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- A friendly table tennis tournament involving Chinese and Zimbabwean players was held in Harare on Sunday to mark 45 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Organized by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union, the Diplomatic Friendly Tournament featured two teams of five Zimbabwean players, drawn from the under-19 and senior national squads, and five Chinese players.
Now in its fifth year, the event provides a platform for cultural exchange and sporting interaction between the two sides.
Noah Ferenando, president of the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union, said the tournament allows local players to learn from their Chinese counterparts and improve their skills.
Through the initiative, he said, Zimbabwean players have become competitive enough to participate in regional and world championships, with some now ranked internationally.
"We have been moving from another level to a higher level and we are really grateful that things have been going on very well and we have been improving our game in the country. We have been scooping medals on the way, which means that this relationship that we have forged has actually been beneficial to us," he said.
"We are also lobbying for us to have the coaches from China to come in here and we have training camps here in Zimbabwe," Ferenando added.
Given table tennis's popularity in China, he said Zimbabwe could benefit from Chinese coaching techniques, including science-based approaches to training, management and play.
Zimbabwean player Tatenda Mumvuma said competing against Chinese players locally and training in China has boosted the standard of the game in the country.
"This is something every athlete wants-to be among the best and train with the best to improve. Over my past two visits to China, my table tennis game has been on a steady upward trajectory," said Mumvuma.
Table tennis is growing in popularity in Zimbabwe, with more schools introducing the sport.
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