XI'AN, China, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The 2021 "Belt&Road" Baihe Cup Table Tennis Championships and the 38th Baihe Cup Table Tennis League kicked off in Baoji, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Friday.
A total of 770 players from over 20 cities across the country saw actions in this year's Baihe Cup. Teams are categorized into four divisions based on gender and competence.
"Baihe Cup has become a festival for table tennis fans," said Zhang Baoxiang, Baoji Table Tennis Association president.
"At this venue, I can see a lot of familiar faces who have attended at least 10 editions of the league, and it is them who makes Baihe Cup irreplaceable," Zhang added.
During the three-day competition held in Fengxiang District Gymnasium in Baoji, the participants will compete in the group stage and knockout stage until the winners are determined.
"Baihe Cup has become the most influential grassroots table tennis activity in Shaanxi Province and now is a signature event of Shaanxi's extensive mass fitness programs," said Dong Li, the deputy director of Shaanxi Administration of Sports.
"At the dawn of 14th National Games, this year's Baihe Cup will definitely boost participations of daily fitness exercises among people in Baoji and even in Shaanxi," he added.
Launched in 2006, Baihe Cup has attracted over 20,000 competitors, including former national team players Hao Shuai and Zhang Chao. Enditem
