Australian Table Tennis Athletes Embark on Elite Training Camp in China, Supported by NFACR

Australian Table Tennis Athletes Embark on Elite Training Camp in China,
Supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations

Table Tennis Australia is thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generous support of the National Foundation for Australia–China Relations, twelve national squad member athletes and five support staff will travel to China for a transformative high-performance training and cultural immersion camp from 15 to 24 September 2025.

In the first leg of the program (15–18 September), the team will train at the prestigious Hebei Zhengding National Table Tennis Training Base alongside the Chinese National Youth Team, gaining exposure to elite youth-level coaching and competition. They will then move to the modern state-of-the-art Shougang Park China Smash Training Stadium, where they will train together with the Chinese National Senior Team (19-23 September).

The timing of the training camp directly leads into the WTT China Smash, which will be held at Beijing’s Shougang Park (25 September-5 October 2025). The WTT China Smash features the world’s top-ranked table tennis athletes and offers a prime competitive environment for several of our players who will be competing in the event, immediately following their camp experience.

Beyond athletic development, the camp will include cultural and diplomatic engagement aimed at enriching the participants' experiences and deepening bilateral ties. Highlights will include visits to iconic sites such as the Great Wall of China - a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - and the Australian Embassy in Beijing.

The occasion not only elevates performance standards but also powerfully underlines the social and diplomatic impact of sport. By forging connections within the Chinese Australian community - and showcasing the unifying power of table tennis - this camp strengthens our national fabric and reinforces the bonds between Australia and China.

Reflecting on the significance of this opportunity, Table Tennis Australia CEO Nicole Adamson said, “We are immensely grateful to the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations for making this camp possible. This isn’t just a training opportunity—it’s a chance to deepen connections with our Chinese Australian community and enhance our ties with one of the world’s most successful table tennis nations.”

Gary Cowan, CEO, National Foundation for Australia China Relations added, “The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations is proud to support the partnership between Table Tennis Australia and the Chinese Table Tennis Association. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during his recent trip to China, ‘sport brings people from our two countries together’. It is an excellent way to increase understanding between our two peoples.” 

Every member of the contingent - from athletes to coaches and the community liaison officer - will play an active role in both performance and engagement outcomes, and upon their return home will bring with them not just refined skills and match preparation but also strengthened international relationships and a reinforced sense of community. Support staff will share their learnings and insights with the broader program with an approach to continuous learning and upskilling.

This initiative embodies the spirit of sporting diplomacy and community connection, demonstrating how elite sports programs can foster camaraderie, mutual understanding, and enduring partnerships across cultures. Table Tennis Australia expresses its deep gratitude to the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations for its support and looks forward to the lasting impacts this camp will have on athlete development, community connection and national relationships alike.

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