The Little Ball That Still Moves the World

USATT Marks 55 Years of Ping-Pong Diplomacy with Reunion Journey Across China

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Table Tennis (USATT) commemorated the 55th anniversary of Ping Pong Diplomacy with a delegation visit to China from April 6–15, 2026, honoring the historic exchange that helped open a new chapter in U.S.-China relations and reaffirming sport’s unique ability to connect people across borders.

The 21-member delegation traveled to Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Nanjing, and Shanghai. It included pioneers from the 1971 and 1972 U.S.-China table tennis exchanges, eight USATT members, Jan Berris, Vice President of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, and other supporters of Ping Pong Diplomacy.

The visit brought together past and present in a meaningful way. Three members of the original 1971 U.S. delegation, Judy Hoarfrost, Connie Sweeris, and Olga Soltesz, returned to China, joined by Dell Sweeris, a member of the 1972 exchange. Throughout the trip, they reconnected with Chinese friends, shared their experiences with students and young athletes, and reflected on a moment in history that continues to resonate 55 years later.

At Peking University, the initial participants spoke with students and faculty about the events of 1971 and the human connections that shaped that journey. During the 55th Anniversary Ping Pong Diplomacy Commemorative Gala at Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing, the original team members of the first exchanges were reunited on stage with their Chinese counterparts. Young American and Chinese players joined them on court for a friendship match that captured the enduring spirit of the exchange across generations.

The delegation also took part in cultural and training activities throughout the trip. In Shijiazhuang, the American athletes joined programs at Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School and trained at the Chinese National Table Tennis Training Center in Zhengding. In Nanjing, the group trained with the Jiangsu Province Table Tennis Team and visited sponsor Yanghe Distillery. In Shanghai, the delegation visited Shanghai University of Sport, the China Table Tennis Academy, Double Happiness (DHS), and the ITTF Museum and China Table Tennis Museum.

For USATT’s younger participants, the journey offered a rare opportunity to experience the history of Ping Pong Diplomacy firsthand and to build connections of their own through sport. They trained with Chinese players, engaged with students and new friends, and gained a deeper appreciation for table tennis as a bridge between people and cultures.

“It felt very sentimental and heartwarming to travel back to China with my 1971 U.S. teammates. We celebrated the memories and reconnected with our longtime Chinese friends from that era. A highlight of our trip was appearing together at the Capital Stadium in Beijing with our Ping Pong Diplomacy friends, world champions Zheng Minzhi and Liang Geliang. Seeing a new generation experience China with us and carry the legacy of Ping Pong Diplomacy forward made these moments even more special.”

— Judy Hoarfrost, 1971 U.S. Ping Pong Diplomacy Team Member

“Celebrating the 55 years of Ping Pong Diplomacy in Beijing, China reunited Dell and I with our friends Zheng Minzhi and Liang Geliang. It was heartwarming to reminisce about our shared memories through the years. These memories are treasured and will last a lifetime.”

— Connie Sweeris, 1971 U.S. Ping Pong Diplomacy Team Member

“I could see it in the eyes of all the young people in China that Ping Pong Diplomacy still lives on. The young American players that were with us saw firsthand what a huge deal it still is in China. My hope is that somehow the spirit of this historic event will catch on in our country as well.”

— Olga Soltesz, 1971 U.S. Ping-Pong Diplomacy Team Member

Fifty-five years ago, a simple exchange between table tennis players helped open the door to a broader relationship between the United States and China. Today, its message remains as relevant as ever: that sport can foster understanding, create human connection, and build lasting bonds that extend far beyond the table.

USATT expresses its sincere gratitude to the Chinese Table Tennis Association, the many hosts who welcomed the U.S. throughout China, and everyone who joined to support the spirit of Ping Pong Diplomacy. The kindness and generosity shown at each stop made our journey memorable for all involved.

USA Table Tennis (USATT) is the National Governing Body for table tennis in the United States, recognized by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the International Table Tennis Federation. USATT is dedicated to growing the sport, developing world-class athletes, and advancing table tennis at every level, from grassroots programs to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.