From ping-pong to pickleball, friendship wins

Learning from China

Howard's admiration for Chinese table tennis extended far beyond diplomacy.

Throughout decades of competition, he closely studied Chinese players, determined to understand why they consistently dominated the sport.

"When people asked me how I could beat everybody," Howard recalled, "I told them I was simply copying what the Chinese were doing."

He admired China's constant pursuit of improvement, from reining grip techniques to analyzing tactics and adapting strategies.

When Howard returned to China in 2006 for the 35th anniversary of Ping-Pong Diplomacy, he was asked what had changed since his first visit.

"In 1971, the best players in the world were the Chinese players. Now, the best players in the world are still the Chinese," he said.

"The reason," he added, "is because they are constantly analyzing how they can improve."

Howard died in Las Vegas in 2020 at age 85, but those who knew him believe his legacy extends well beyond table tennis.

"I was fortunate to visit him and preserve his memories on video," Gao told China Daily.

"Our association has never forgotten the pioneers who helped open the door for sports exchanges between the United States and China."

The ACAA, whose members include retired Olympians, world champions and former professional athletes, has continued to organize youth, university and professional sports exchanges, Gao said.

Fifty-five years after the historic visit, the spirit of Ping-Pong Diplomacy continues to resonate.

In April, members of the original 1971 American delegation returned to China for anniversary events, joining former Chinese national team players and a new generation of USA Table Tennis athletes. USA Table Tennis said the 21-member delegation traveled to Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Nanjing and Shanghai from April 6 to 15. Original American participants Judy Hoarfrost, Olga Soltesz and Connie Sweeris joined former Chinese players including Zheng Minzhi and Liang Geliang.

The exchanges continued in Southern California at WTT US Smash 2026 held at the Ontario Convention Center. Chinese and American players took part in cross-national doubles partnerships and other exchanges during the tournament, extending the spirit of Ping-Pong Diplomacy to a new generation of athletes.

Among them was Kanak Jha, one of Team USA's leading professional players, who said he appreciates the significance of the American team's landmark visit to China.

"I know that 55 years ago there was more tension between the two nations, and through table tennis they grew closer together," Jha said. "It broke the barriers, and the US team at that time traveled to China, which was a pretty historic event."

He Xiao, secretary-general of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, said exchanges between the two countries have continued to evolve over the past 55 years.

"From reciprocal visits and joint training to cross-national doubles partnerships and today's campus exchanges, generations of players have carried forward this friendship that transcends national boundaries," he said.

Following the tournament, members of the Chinese National Table Tennis Team visited La Salle College Preparatory in Pasadena, California where leading players took part in exhibition matches with students and shared the history of Ping-Pong Diplomacy with a new generation.

For La Salle student Shaan Ngan, who joined Chinese players in the exhibition, the experience made that history tangible.

"It's really interesting to hear how long of a history we've had," he said. "It's a really good way for two countries to bond over something so fun like ping-pong."

Perry Martin, president of La Salle College Preparatory, said the day's significance reached far beyond athletics.

"Our students are not simply watching an exhibition," Martin said. "They are witnessing how sports can become diplomacy, how respect can become friendship, and how a school can become a bridge between nations."