Future Tennis Stars Embrace Chinese Culture in Chengdu
Chengdu, China -As the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Juniors Finals, one of thethree major year-end finals in the world, is set to take place in Chengdu’s Sichuan International Tennis Center from October 16th to 20th, young tennis stars have begun arriving in the city, eager to compete and experience Chinese culture.
On October 13th, amidst their pre-tournament training,the players embarked on a cultural immersion journey, starting with a traditional Chinese dumpling-making experience.
Dumplings are a traditional Chinese delicacy, symbolizing unity and harmony, explained a chef at the Sichuan International Hotel, guiding the players throughthe process. Place the meat filling on the dough, fold it together, and pinch it tightly. Make the center thicker and the edges thinner, shaping it like a lucky ingot.
The players, captivated by the novelty of the experience, laughed and chatted as they crafted their own unique dumplings, each with a distinct shape and size.
David Haggerty, President of the ITF, was a first-timer at dumpling making. While admitting his dumplings weren’t perfect, he declared them delicious. I love spicy food, and I can say thathotpot is my favorite, he added, expressing his fondness for another Chengdu delicacy.
Looking ahead to the tournament, Haggerty expressed his excitement. Chengdu is a renowned city for international sporting events, he said, citing the World University Games and the World Table Tennis Team Championships as examples. I’m lookingforward to seeing the players perform their best in Chengdu.
Laura Samson, a Czech player who finished sixth in last year’s tournament, is returning to Chengdu for the second time. My performance wasn’t great last year, so I hope to do better this time and go further, she shared, beaming as sheparticipated in the dumpling-making session with her fellow players. The atmosphere here is fantastic.
Rafael Jodar, a Spanish player and the top seed in the men’s division, expressed his fascination with Chinese culture. Before coming to Chengdu, I researched a lot about China and Chengdu online, he said. I think it’s a completely different culture from Europe. Tonight’s dumpling-making experience was great, and I feel this is a very livable place.
The organizers have planned a series of cultural excursions for the players, including visits to the Panda Base and evening cruises on the Jinjiang River,which Jodar eagerly anticipates. This is my first time in Chengdu, and I hope to have a great week, enjoy the competition, and explore the city, he said.
The ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors Finals in Chengdu promises not only thrilling tennis matches but also a vibrant cultural exchange, offering young players a glimpse into theheart of China.
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