FOUR cross-national doubles teams lit up the court at the Gemdale Sports International Tennis Academy during the inaugural Nets Without Borders Maluan Cup China-International Tennis Open in Pingshan District on Aug. 15.

From tentative warm-ups to seamless teamwork, players from China, Morocco, Pakistan, and Bangladesh showcased exciting skills and clear communication. Organized by the Maluan Subdistrict Office, the amateur match was as much about friendly exchange as it was about competition, with players building connections across borders while enjoying the game.

“Partnering like this is so fun! Players from anywhere can share their love for tennis and make new friends,” said Moroccan player Oujgli Charaf Eddine.

“It’s my first time teaming with an international player, and I love it,” said Chinese player Huang Wenhui. “Exchanges like this help more people find their tennis community and let international friends feel at home in Shenzhen.”

“The Pingshan venue is excellent, and Shenzhen’s sports facilities are very impressive,” added Pakistani player Nauman Muhammad. “I would happily invite more people to visit Maluan in Pingshan.”

A team of Chinese and expat volunteers provided essential support for the event. Nazir Nayab, a Pakistani student at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, has previously taken part in community activities such as the Foreign Language Corner in Maluan Subdistrict. This time she and her classmate Aziz Fatima volunteered during the match.

“I love Maluan and am happy to contribute to this event,” Nayab said. Fatima added, “Maluan has a great atmosphere, and I’ve made a lot of friends. I want to bring more friends here so they can experience this wonderful environment.”

The match attracted more than 100 spectators, who cheered enthusiastically throughout the day. One attendee commented, “Events like this help people make friends and strengthen ties between China and other countries. Foreign friends get to know more about Shenzhen and about our sport culture and openness.”

Organizers said they hope the Maluan Cup will become a recurring event that continues to promote grassroots sports, cultural exchange, and international friendship.

(Cao Zhen)