CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The 28th Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships kicked off at the gymnasium of Yubei, Chongqing on June 30, marking the first time the event has been held in southwestern China and the return of the tournament to China after a 12-year hiatus.

As the largest, highest-level, and most influential youth table tennis competition in Asia, the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships is the beginning of a journey to the global stage for many current Chinese table tennis players, such as Ma Long, Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, and Wang Manyu.

This tournament will last until July 6, featuring seven events in the U19 category, including men's and women's teams, singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, as well as four events in the U15 category, including men's and women's teams and singles. More than 300 athletes and coaches from over 20 associations of the Asian Table Tennis Union will participate in the tournament.

Young participants from various countries were interested in the martial arts and drama performances at the opening ceremony for the tournament. “This is the first time I have seen a martial arts performance. It is pretty interesting,” said Aleksei, a 13-year-old Kazakhstani competitor. This is also his first time visiting China and Chongqing. He thinks Chongqing is a clean and pleasant city.

The Chinese youth table tennis team will participate in all 11 events in the U19 and U15 categories in the tournament, striving to achieve excellent results. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)