Zhang Yining finds new mission in Papua New Guinea

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03:18

Retired Chinese table tennis player Zhang Yining, the most dominant female player throughout the 2000s, has been coaching Papua New Guinea's (PNG) national players this past week.

"They have a lot of enthusiasm. I think when it comes to table tennis techniques, the players need a long-term coach. I think part of coaching is pointing out the players' problems, and helping them make progress,” said Zhang, two-time Olympic women's singles champion.

The island nation's table tennis team may not be competitive on world stage but they are committed to their ping pong dream. The Papuan players said ping pong is in their blood, and that they must train hard in order to win.

"It is my privilege to have Zhang here in my country, talking to her personally, and on behalf of our federation. This is something we have never experienced," said Papua New Guinea's national team coach Rea Loi.

Zhang Yining (center) wins table tennis women's singles gold at 2008 Beijing Olympics, August 22, 2008. /VCG File Photo

"At an age like this, I am 43 years old. I started playing table tennis in the 80s, but I was laid off for some years till now I am trying to gain again. I'm more than excited to learn more from her. She got skills and techniques. It's a new thing to us here," said Kopi Winnie, Papua New Guinea's reigning women's doubles national champion.

Shao Yuping is the president of the PNG Table Tennis Federation. The leader hopes to do his share for the promotion of the beloved sport.

"Everyone knows that table tennis is a national game of China. I hope I can take this opportunity to promote the sport in Papua New Guinea. I always remember, Shi Zhihao, vice president of the International Table Tennis Federation, says that 'the promotion of table tennis is what we should do'," said Shao.

Shao's campaign is boosted by the visits of world table tennis heavyweights like Zhang. Currently a leader in the Table Tennis Academy with Shanghai University of Sport, Zhang hopes she can visit Papua New Guinea again in the future.

"I am delighted! Even though I've retired for years, I can still take part in the development of table tennis careers. This is why we set up a second overseas base, in the hope of getting better and better," said Zhang.

Meanwhile, the creation of a China Table Tennis College Training Center in Papua New Guinea has been regarded as a milestone, enhancing the relationship between peoples from China and the South Pacific.