This invitation was extended by Hua Ning, the Chinese ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, during an event..
The citizens of Luxembourg have received a warm invitation to explore the vibrant city of Shanghai and immerse themselves in Chinese culture. This invitation was extended by Hua Ning, the Chinese ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, during an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the European branch of the Chinese Table Tennis College of Shanghai University of Sport, known as Chinese Table Tennis College-Europe (CTTC-E), held in Luxembourg.
During the event, a video showcasing Shanghai’s “open, innovative, and inclusive” atmosphere and its latest developments was presented. Maurice Bauer, an alderman of the City of Luxembourg, commended Shanghai for its operational efficiency and expressed a desire for increased exchanges and collaboration between the two cities.
A professional training camp was also launched, attracting over 40 young players aged 15–17 from 14 countries, including France, Britain, and Germany, to prepare for upcoming international competitions under the International Table Tennis Federation. The camp, featuring coaching from Olympic champions Zhang Yining and Yan Sen, along with top-level Chinese players, offers participants a unique experience and includes special gift kits from Shanghai containing themed fridge magnets and badges.
Luxembourg player Enisa Sadikovic praised the camps, highlighting their popularity among European athletes, and expressed a keen interest in visiting Shanghai to experience its vibrant sports culture. Guluzade Onur from Azerbaijan, who has participated in training camps at both the Chinese Table Tennis College in Shanghai and its European branch, eagerly anticipates returning to Shanghai to enhance his skills and explore the city further.
Established in 2014 through collaborative efforts between the China Table Tennis Association, the Luxembourg Ministry of Sport, and other related departments, CTTC-E serves as a vital platform for exchanges and cooperation between China and Luxembourg. Over the years, it has organized numerous international table tennis training camps and coaches’ workshops, attracting thousands of coaches and players from Europe and beyond. Through its partnerships, including with the International Table Tennis Federation, it has hosted significant global events, fostering friendships and cooperation between China and Europe.
Shi Zhihao, chairman of the CTTC-E board, emphasized the role of table tennis in bridging cultures and fostering friendship between China and Europe. Ambassador Hua commended CTTC-E for its contributions to promoting communication and sports development between China and Luxembourg, expressing hope for continued collaboration. François Knaff, Luxembourg’s deputy minister of sport, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism for future exchanges and cooperation between Luxembourg and China in the realm of sports and beyond.