Yin Jianan, Class 7, Senior 2, Shenzhen Foreign Languages School Instructed by Tang Hong

The latest passion I’ve absolutely developed is table tennis, our national ball game.

Ever since I watched the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, I have had an increasing affection for ping pong.

Initially, I regarded it as a monotonous sport confined to small areas, and always neglected my mother’s encouragement to try it. To be frank, however, the thrill and competitiveness truly engaged my mind and eyes alike.

Touching moments abound throughout the live coverage, and even the commentary on games struck me as inspirational, both of which again significantly stimulated my interest in this sort of sport.

Moreover, table tennis requires players to attach great importance to technique and tactics, and thus they are bound to become both flexible and concentrated, which quite helps strike a balance between physical strength and intelligence.

Most importantly, my love of table tennis, to a great extent, is derived from my admiration for those tenacious athletes, whose spirits of never admitting defeat deserve respect — “You should at no time underestimate a heart to be a champion.”

Still not being so proficient in this sport, I would rather call myself a green hand. I am sparing a bit of time every week to watch previous competitions and even to practice.

In spite of the scarcity of a talent for ping pong which plenty of professional sportsmen were born with, I firmly believe that anyone in decisive pursuit of what he has a consistent enthusiasm for, will eventually attain a measure of success.