For some time now, there’s been talk about scaling back Olympic events. The IOC program committee meets on Wednesday to discuss the elimination of one sport, to bring the number of official events down to 25. Table Tennis--also known as ping pong, could be in danger.
Ping pong is the unofficial national sport of China. It’s even inspired a form of diplomacy. But is it really suitable for the Olympics?
Public opinion is divided. But veteran sports commentator Yan Qiang is firmly in the "no" camp.
Yan Qiang, sports commentator, said, "We need to think from the perspective of the International Olympic Committee. How do they decide which sport should stay? I think there are four criteria. Firstly, the popularity of the sport in the world, in a kind of global sense. Secondly, the potential of its development in the young generation.Thirdly, the potential of its commercialism--how professional it will be, and whether there would be a international league of the sport. Finally, how friendly the media will treat the sport. Table tennis should be at a quite weakening position."
But won’t eliminating ping pong reduce China’s medal count?
Yan said, "Just dominating the sport will not be good for us, and not good enough for the sport itself. We should take up the challenge and help the world promote table tennis, and attract more teenagers to participate in the sports. And enjoy table tennis. I think that’s the essence of the Olympics. ."
I have to say I’m really not a good ping pong player...but as the unofficial national game, ping pong is played by almost everyone here. You can find tables like this in parks, communities and public schools. Despite all the discussions, experts say, the world should not ignore the great sensation of more than 1.3 billion Chinese people."