Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

 
The Chinese national table tennis team recently brought excitement and joy to a local community in Qingyang, Northwest China's Gansu Province. The event, which bridged the gap between elite athletes and the general public, saw local residents and table tennis enthusiasts directly engage with some of the world's best players in an atmosphere of friendly competition and shared enthusiasm. 
  
Local citizens and ping pong enthusiasts, from children to the elderly, took turns challenging national team players, creating a dynamic and lively environment that celebrated both the sport and community spirit. Wang Chuqin, a two-time gold medalist at the Paris Olympics, humorously said that none of the matches  in the community were easy, highlighting the competitive spirit and enthusiasm of the local participants. 

By bringing table tennis out of the professional arena and into local communities, the Chinese national table tennis team not only highlighted the accessibility of the sport but also its appeal. 

This approach allowed people who might not typically have the opportunity to see, let alone play against, top-level athletes to engage directly with the sport. Such events foster a deeper connection between the sport and the public, enhancing the visibility and appeal of table tennis while inspiring future generations of players.

Direct interaction between national team members and the general public offers a unique form of inspiration, particularly for young people. Seeing their heroes in person, and perhaps even exchanging a few rallies with them, can ignite a passion for the sport that might otherwise remain dormant. 

Grassroots engagement is vital for promoting table tennis and encouraging broader participation, especially among youth. When inspired to pick up a paddle, children and teenagers contribute to a stronger community foundation for the sport, supporting its growth and future development.

Olympic and world champions participating in such events not only enhance their own rapport with the public, but also serve as powerful role models for aspiring athletes. 

These champions demonstrate that, beyond their skills and achievements, they are approachable and down-to-earth individuals who are eager to share their love for the game. This kind of zero-distance contact allows ordinary fans to see a different side of their heroes, one that emphasizes humility, kindness, and a passion for sports.

Furthermore, these interactions often leave a lasting impact on the athletes themselves. Engaging directly with the public, particularly with young fans, reminds them of the reasons they began playing sports in the first place. 

It also reinvigorates their love for the game and reinforces the value of sportsmanship and community engagement. For attendees, especially younger ones, these experiences can be transformative, encouraging them to dream big and pursue sports not just for competition, but also for fun, fitness and personal growth.

This broader initiative also includes other Olympic sports like athletics, gymnastics, and shooting, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of sports on promoting "fitness for all" across diverse activities. By showcasing a variety of sports in community settings, these events help foster a culture of fitness and well-being, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Encouraging people to participate in physical activities has numerous benefits beyond physical health. It contributes to mental well-being, reducing stress and improving people's mood. Furthermore, sports can be a powerful tool for building social connections and fostering a sense of community. Events like these help break down barriers and bring people together, promoting inclusivity and unity through shared activities and experiences.

Promoting sports among young people is particularly important, as it helps identify and nurture future talent. By introducing various sports to young people in an engaging and accessible manner, events like these have provided a platform for discovering new talents who might not have been identified through traditional pathways. Additionally, exposing children to sports early in life helps them instill important values such as teamwork, perseverance and discipline.

As China charts its course toward becoming a true sports powerhouse, it is focusing not only on medals and records but also on the health, happiness and well-being of its people. This comprehensive approach underscores that the development of a "sports powerhouse" is about more than international success and reflects the widespread adoption and deepening of a national sports culture.
 
Building a strong foundation for youth sports also supports the long-term development of professional sports. By encouraging widespread participation in sports from a young age, a larger pool of talent can be developed, ensuring that there is a robust pipeline of athletes ready to advance to higher levels of competition. This is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese athletes on the global stage.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn