SPORTS, TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE & CULTURE

The "Friendship Paddle: China & Antigua and Barbuda Table Tennis Open," held on 9^th September, successfully celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations with a friendly table tennis tournament with the People's Republic of China and Antigua and Barbuda. The event, organised by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and the Antigua and Barbuda Table Tennis Association (ABTTA), took place in the Cultural Room of the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre at Perry Bay.

H.E. Mme. Zhang Yanling, Chinese Ambassador, addressed the gathering, expounding on the mutually beneficial bilateral relations China and Antigua and Barbuda have enjoyed over the past 40 years. During the opening ceremony, she presented six table tennis boards along with rackets, nets, and balls to the ABTTA, a gesture symbolising China's commitment to strengthening ties through sports and people-to-people exchanges.

Hon E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade & Barbuda Affairs, echoed the sentiments, stating that table tennis is one of the people-to-people exchanges resulting from the continued diplomatic relations enjoyed by both countries. He expressed confidence in continued good relations with the People's Republic of China and hope that “Antigua and Barbuda will strive to become a powerhouse in table tennis in the region.”

The tournament saw enthusiastic participation from players of all ages, showcasing their skills in a friendly and competitive environment. ABTTA President Charles 'Chucky' Bellot expressed gratitude for the continued interest and support of the People's Republic of China in energising and further developing the sport. "It was a great day! I am encouraged by the presence and showing of the youth players.

Congratulations to youth players Sandra Joseph and Mekhi Simmons for their third-place finishes," Bellot said. "It could never be easy being thrown into the same ring as the senior players, but they held their own." I want to put on record what I think is one of the great finds of the tournament – Miss Jolie George-Alexander. Jolie, who is a left-handed 14-year-old, immediately caught my eye. I was impressed with her composure and tactical approach to the game. It turns out that she plays Tennis, so with her permission and that of her mother, I have already reached out to ABTA President Cordell Williams to explore the possibility of having her train with us as well. 

Bellot, who won the tournament beating fellow veteran Mitchell Coates 3-2 in an exciting final, said it was never his intention to compete, but due to the open and unknown nature of the tournament, “we had to ensure that we were ready for any possible talent surprises from the Chinese community.”

The event concluded with an awards ceremony, where the winners were presented with their trophies by Hon. Minister E.P. Chet Greene, H.E. Ambassador Zhang Yanling, and distinguished guests Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Anthony Liverpool, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Ambassador Lionel Hurst and Director of Sports Mrs Heather Samuel-Daley.

This presentation ceremony was followed by a group photo of all participants, volunteers and invited guests.

The "Friendship Paddle: China & Antigua and Barbuda Table Tennis Open" celebrated diplomatic relations between China and Antigua and Barbuda and fostered a spirit of friendship and cooperation through sports. All had a good time, and the event successfully showcased the power of sports diplomacy in strengthening international relationships.