Australian Table Tennis Athletes Return from Transformative China Training Camp, Supported by NFACR

Twelve of Australia’s national squad athletes and five support staff have returned home from an unforgettable high-performance training and cultural exchange camp in China, proudly supported by the National Foundation for Australia–China Relations (NFACR)澳中基金会.

Over ten days, participants immersed themselves in an elite international training environment, strengthening relationships with the Chinese Table Tennis Association and reinforcing the deep sporting and cultural ties between Australia and China.

The first leg of the camp at the prestigious Hebei Zhenging National Table Tennis Training Base provided an invaluable opportunity for athletes to train alongside the Chinese National Youth Team. Participants experienced elite-level coaching, high-intensity training drills, and match-play against some of the most promising young talents in the world. This environment challenged the Australian athletes to elevate their skills, adapt to different playing styles, and gain insights that will enhance their preparation for future international competitions.

The team then travelled to Beijing’s world-class Shougang Park - China Smash Training Stadium, where they trained alongside both the Chinese National Senior Team and Indian National Team. Eight athletes then stayed on in Beijing to compete in the WTT China Smash, benefiting from the unique opportunity to prepare and perform in the same world-class venue under elite competition conditions. 

Beyond high-performance outcomes, the camp highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and connection. Athletes and staff visited the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Australian Embassy in Beijing, deepening their understanding of Australia’s role in international sport and diplomacy.

Reflecting on the program’s impact, Table Tennis Australia CEO Nicole Adamson said, “The China Training Camp provided a unique platform for our athletes to train in a world-class environment while also strengthening our relationship with the Chinese Table Tennis Association. We’re incredibly grateful to the National Foundation for Australia–China Relations for making this exchange possible. It showcased the power of sport to bring people and cultures together.”

The camp successfully delivered on the objectives of the NFACR grant program - to strengthen people-to-people connections, showcase Australian sporting excellence, and foster engagement with diverse communities through sport. The experience enhanced the athletes’ competitive readiness and also demonstrated how table tennis can act as a unifying platform, promoting mutual understanding, collaboration, and shared values between Australia and China.

Table Tennis Australia extends its sincere thanks to the National Foundation for Australia–China Relations(NFACR)澳中基金会 for its generous support, which continues to enable meaningful international partnerships and opportunities that contribute to both sporting and diplomatic outcomes.

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