Singapore Smash uplifts local table tennis community through engagement efforts such as webinars, meet-and-greet sessions
The inaugural Singapore Smash comprises a field that includes 17 Singaporean players, but far more in Singapore will benefit from the March 7-20 event at the OCBC Arena. It will be an event for all Singaporeans, set to leave a lasting impact that transcends the field of play. A grand new legacy begins for table tennis in Singapore, building on the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Group’s continuous efforts to boost community engagement and players development from the grassroots to elite levels. Singapore Smash, as the new pillar of World Table Tennis, will act as a catalyst.
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Lessons were imparted even before the first ball was struck at the OCBC Arena, with USA Table Tennis (USATT) head coach Gao Jun conducting a coaching webinar on 4 March. The complimentary online session was attended by local table tennis coaches, who heard from former world No. 7 Olympian Gao about how coaches could adapt training curriculums in line with their players’ progress to the next age group. With experience from four Olympic Games and 15 World Championships under her belt, Gao offered perspectives from both player and coach as she spoke on the importance of tailoring the coaching approach to suit players of different ages.
There will also be a virtual meet-and-greet session on 15 March 2022 between local youth paddlers and some of the stars who will compete in the Singapore Smash.
The Singapore Smash Ball Kids’ Programme, initiated in partnership with the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA), will benefit more than 30 children. These children, aged 9 to 15, will be ball kids at the Singapore Smash, where they can observe the world’s best in action up close.
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Weekend warriors and casual table tennis fans alike can also try their hand at the sport if they are inspired by the thrilling table tennis contests taking place at the OCBC Arena. The Smash Zone challenge, to be held at Kallang Wave Mall’s OCBC Square, is open to participants across four different categories; U15, U19, Open and Veterans. Prizes include cash vouchers of up to $200. Registration is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested participants can sign up by writing to [email protected].
Stephen Duckitt, Event Strategy Director, World Table Tennis, said: “Giving back to the local table tennis community has always been one of WTT’s top priorities at each of our events. The first-ever Singapore Smash is accompanied by a slew of such initiatives, and this reflects our commitment to bringing table tennis to more people in the country. We hope that in addition to providing those in Singapore the chance to catch enthralling sporting feats by the world’s best table tennis players, the Singapore Smash also leaves a legacy of uplifting the local table tennis fraternity here. After two challenging years marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore Smash is also delivering global promotion opportunities as well as tangible social and economic benefits. WTT is excited to play a part in Singapore resuming its status as a thriving destination for high-level international sporting events.”
Ellen Lee, JP, PBM, STTA President said: “The first-ever Singapore Smash is truly a key milestone for the table tennis community in Singapore. The involvement of our young players in the event, whether as ballkids, or spectators or competitors, will give them valuable insight into what it takes to be on par with the top players in the world. We hope our players’ observations of these top athletes will inspire them to continue working hard to achieve greater heights in their table tennis journey and beyond.
“Table tennis is a sport for all, and the STTA is particularly pleased that the Smash Zone Challenge allows for people of various ages to participate and learn more about this wonderful game. With our coaches also having the opportunity to hear from USATT head coach Gao Jun, we are confident that all members of the local table tennis fraternity have learnt key lessons through the Singapore Smash.”
A total of US$2,000,000 in prize money is on offer at the Singapore Smash – the biggest prize purse at an officially-sanctioned event. The world’s top table tennis players, including two-time Olympic men’s singles champion Ma Long and women’s world No. 1 Sun Yingsha, will compete in Singapore.
Tickets are now on sale starting from $10. All spectators to Singapore Smash 2022 are to abide by the necessary Safe Management Measures. More details are available at www.sistic.com.sg.