From ping-pong to pickleball, friendship wins

New paddle, same purpose

Today, another paddle sport is carrying part of that legacy forward.

Pickleball, born in the United States and rapidly expanding internationally, is increasingly being used as a platform for youth exchange between China and the US.

In April 2025, a delegation of 31 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students from Maryland traveled to Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing for a pickleball and cultural exchange, taking part in friendly matches, school visits and other cultural activities. Chinese students later visited Maryland, making the exchange reciprocal.

After the April trip, MCPS System-wide Athletics Director Jeff Sullivan and members of the delegation wrote to President Xi Jinping about their experiences. Xi replied in July, saying he was pleased that pickleball had become "a new bond for youth exchanges" and expressing hope that the students would contribute to greater friendship between the two peoples. MCPS continued the initiative in 2026 with another round of youth, sports and cultural exchanges between China and the United States.

In May, the Chinese Embassy in Washington hosted "The Night of Pickleball & the Premiere of China Trip Documentary", bringing together students, teachers and families involved in the exchanges.

Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng said Xi's initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study over five years had reached its target two and a half years ahead of schedule.

"From ping-pong to pickleball, the paddles have changed. But our peoples' shared wish for friendship remains as strong as ever," Xie said.

Sullivan said the program's impact could be seen in the relationships formed among students during the exchanges.

"Relationships between countries start one relationship at a time," he said. "Our youth are our future, and instilling the values of cooperation and taking a genuine interest in each other's cultures are important to setting the stage for success on a global scale."

He said the exchanges also gave students a more direct understanding of China beyond what they had previously encountered through media.

"Providing cultural exchange experiences allows for an intentional look into our cultures, including learning traditions, tasting foods, and visiting historical landmarks," Sullivan said. "Most importantly, it involves building friendships and connections."

He recalled the emotional farewells at the end of the visits.

"For the greetings, we were welcomed with open arms," he said. "For the goodbyes, it was clear the impact of the relationships and friendships by the emotions when we had to leave. Instead of goodbye, we said until we meet again."

Sullivan said the initiative carries forward the spirit of the 1971 exchanges.

"The spirit of Ping-Pong Diplomacy and the power of sport in building relationships has played out through our Pickleball Diplomacy initiative," he said.

"Pickleball Diplomacy has served as an avenue for building friendships — one relationship, one rally at a time. We hope that we can continue these efforts in the future, building more friendships and goodwill between our peoples and countries."

For many young participants, the exchanges have broadened perspectives while strengthening their skills on the court.

Danya Sadim, a 17-year-old student at Winston Churchill High School who traveled to China with the Maryland delegation, described the trip as one of the most memorable experiences of her life.

"It was really about sharing our cultures," she said. "Talking with Chinese students, seeing the scenery, experiencing Spring Festival — it was beautiful."