National table tennis competition returns to the city

Spence

Winnipeg

While cortisol for many competitive athletes might be running on overdrive leading up to a national championship, it isn’t for everyone.

For Terry Zhang, he’s excited, because it’s his first time competing on the national stage in 10 years, and it’s the first time Winnipeg is hosting the Canadian Championship in table tennis in 10 years.

Over 350 athletes from across the country — and roughly 50 Manitobans — are prepping for the national championship, which is set to take place July 17 to 23 at Duckworth Centre at the University of Winnipeg (400 Spence St.)

“A lot of people feel nervous around this time, but I’m excited,” Zhang laughed.

Zhang is a four-time national table tennis champion with a professional career in the sport spanning 26 years.

Recently he, and his friend Poy Riankasemsaku, opened a new ping pong club called The Pong Room, where Zhang works as head coach.

Zhang says he’s been having fun, but focused on wearing his ‘entrepreneurial hat,’ and he’s excited to compete again.

In his role as head coach, he’s working to train junior and senior players competing.

“We’re training endurance and stamina,” Zhang said, explaining that competitors could be on and off the court all day on competition days.

The gym will have 16 tables set up with 36 players playing at all times, according to Carlos Cuadra, executive director of Manitoba Table Tennis Association.

“We take this prestigious event very seriously,” Cuadra said, adding all equipment at the competition will be professional quality and in accordance with the International Table Tennis Federation standards, which, coincidentally, is celebrating it’s 100-year anniversary in 2026.

Cuadra said he’s noticed growth in the sport since he began playing more than 12 years ago.

“(I think) more people are discovering the health benefits, even the ones you wouldn’t think of, like using your brain, you know, trying to follow the little white ball,” he laughed.

He added that table tennis is accessible, which could be another reason for the growth.

“It’s easy to play all year round,” Cuadra said. “And it’s affordable.”

Zhang says he thinks the reason for the growth of table tennis in Winnipeg is because of immigration.

“It’s been rising because of immigration, they bring people to this sport,” Zhang, an immigrant from China, said.

“It’s grown a lot, 10 years ago, people didn’t know where to play,” Zhang added, noting he expects The Pong Room to be busier with visiting competitors curious to see a professional but entertainment-focused table tennis establishment.

“People coming will be high level. These are the best players. It’s the Canadian championship, the biggest tournament in the country,” Zhang said explaining how significant the tournament is.

“(This is) an opportunity for spectators to watch high performance table tennis,” Cuadra said. “Our goal is to get people involved… (and) support our athletes.”

Top junior competitors from nationals will be invited to represent Canada at the Pan American Youth Championship in Guatemala City on August 23 to 30.

Tickets are $5 and will be available to buy at the door. For more information, schedules, and rankings, visit mtta.ca/index.php/nationals2026