Zimbabwe, China Strengthen Ties Through Blended Ta...

Zimbabwe, China Strengthen Ties Through Blended Table Tennis Tournament

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Zimbabwe and China capped off their 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations with a spirited 5th Table Tennis Diplomatic Friendship Tournament, held on 10 August 2025 at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Harare. The competition, which blended players from both nations into mixed teams, showcased not only athletic skill but also a shared commitment to cultural exchange and friendship.

In the singles matches, Zimbabwe’s Vikram Singh claimed a 4–1 victory over China’s Wang Liping in the men’s category, while in the women’s category, China’s Su Zhang defeated Zimbabwe’s Ashley Dhlamini 4–1—resulting in an even split of the singles honours. The blended team events saw Captain Wang Liping’s side win against Captain Vikram Singh’s team, while in the women’s division, Captain Su Zhang’s team triumphed over Ashley Dhlamini’s squad.

Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union (ZTTU) president Noah Ferenando praised the outcomes, noting they strengthened both friendship and sporting standards. “The mixed results in both singles and team events showcase a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect,” he said. “Blending teams gave players a chance to form personal connections, fostering goodwill and understanding between our countries.”

Ferenando also highlighted the competitive benefits, pointing to Singh’s win as evidence of a healthy rivalry that can drive improvement in both nations. He expressed optimism that the success and enjoyment of the event could pave the way for more joint competitions, training camps, and exchanges, further cementing the Zimbabwe–China sports partnership.

With its unique format and emphasis on collaboration, the Table Tennis Diplomatic Friendship Tournament has proven to be more than a sporting event—it is a celebration of unity, cultural exchange, and the enduring friendship between Zimbabwe and China.