Xinhua News Agency, Zhengzhou, November 23 (Reporter Liu Jinhui and Su Bin) In less than a month, three ITTF restart series events were successfully held in China. Not only did the players return to the stadium, but the fans also watched the game live.
Liu Guoliang, Chairman of the World Table Tennis Professional League (WTT) Council and Chairman of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that the restart of the series of events has shown the world the results of China's fight against the epidemic.
"During the epidemic, how can the resumption of the competition be able to prevent the epidemic and ensure the success of the competition? The State Sports General Administration, Shanghai, Weihai, Zhengzhou and other aspects have done a lot of work." Liu Guoliang said, "This competition is open to the world. Showcasing China’s achievements in epidemic prevention and control."
From November 8th to 22nd, Weihai and Zhengzhou successively hosted the ITTF Women's World Cup, Men's World Cup and Finals.
Among them, the Weihai World Cup is the first domestic international sporting event approved by an international sports organization in accordance with the domestic work plan since the outbreak of the epidemic, and the final is the first domestically held international sports event. An international sporting event with spectators entering the stadium.
"These events have been successfully held, and my biggest feeling is pride. Because we have challenges and pressures from the idea to the idea to the end of the game. But someone will always make the first choice. Someone will take the first step bravely. As China's national ball, table tennis has a certain influence and voice in the international arena. We should have the responsibility and responsibility of such a big country." Liu Guoliang said.
According to reports, in this ITTF restart event, 116 participants from 27 countries and regions, including athletes, coaches, referees and ITTF staff, entered China.
In order to effectively prevent the epidemic, under the guidance of the State Sports General Administration, the China Table Tennis Association worked closely with the epidemic prevention and control departments of Shanghai, Weihai and Zhengzhou and the expert steering group to formulate compliance with local epidemic prevention requirements and practical operational feasibility. The epidemic prevention and control plan of the competition.
Specific requirements and detailed procedures have been formulated for epidemic prevention from several aspects such as remote prevention and control, entry into Shanghai, transfer to Weihai, isolation and training, competition organization, and departure after the game.
"From the moment the ITTF chose to restart the international event in China, the ITTF and the Chinese Table Tennis Association have already been one team. Everyone worked day and night and worked together in all aspects for the restart of the sport. One person has complaints." Liu Guoliang said.
In addition, there are thousands of participants-volunteers, referees, caddies, event organizers, security personnel, medical personnel, etc., who have worked hard for this ITTF restart event.
Malone, who won the men's singles champion of the ITTF Finals, said that thousands of people have worked hard to protect the athletes. The athletes cherish this opportunity very much. They will show their best on the court to reward everyone. .
Liu Guoliang said that it is not easy for the athletes to come. They have overcome many difficulties, whether it is the long distance, safety, or the hardship of isolation for 14 days, they have not let them give up.
This shows that everyone is eager to return to the game. At this moment, the results are no longer important.
"As long as the epidemic prevention permits, we will support any of their requests. Whether it was Mima Ito said that he wanted to put a ping-pong table in the room at the time, or later he would train for the left hand and cut the ball. The Chinese team has it. They all have it. At this moment, the world table tennis is a family. This competition is not only about restarting, but also about seeing the unity and strength of world table tennis. This is the fundamental reason for our success today." Liu Guoliang said, table tennis The ball belongs to the world, belongs to globalization, belongs to everyone, and hope that more outstanding players will emerge.
"The restart of the tournament gives these players the best stage to show themselves, and at the same time to show the world that everyone can overcome and defeat the epidemic, and let the players stand on their favorite table again."
Brazilian player Calderano said that these events are very well organized and he is very happy to be on the court again in 8 months.
"These epidemic prevention measures are very good. I know it is not easy, but it is necessary. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to restart the table tennis tournament."
Next, the WTT World Table Tennis Federation Macau China Tournament will kick off on November 25.
Liu Guoliang said that this is WTT's first race, and it is also an opportunity for WTT to show innovation and professionalism to the world, including event planning, competition system, and venue broadcast.
"This year, everyone is thinking and planning how to change, and they are full of longing and looking forward to what table tennis will be like. This is the dream of all table tennis people, and it is also my dream. The Macau station is the first time that WTT will show everyone Show, in 2021 we will officially launch the WTT series." Liu Guoliang said.
"The future of world table tennis is here, and everyone can look forward to it," he concluded.