Cultural Exchange Through Pickleball: Bridging China and the US

A recent cultural exchange program at Tsinghua University showcased how pickleball is bridging gaps between students from China and the US. Participants engaged in friendly matches while immersing themselves in Chinese traditions during the Spring Festival. This initiative aims to strengthen ties and foster friendships, highlighting the power of sports as a universal language. Students shared their experiences, emphasizing the connections made and the cultural insights gained, making this exchange a memorable journey for all involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 26, 2026, 19:02 IST

Cultural Connections on the Court

On February 23, Tsinghua University hosted a unique event where students and educators from the United States and China engaged in pickleball matches, celebrating the conclusion of a 10-day cultural exchange program. This friendly tournament was the final highlight of a cultural journey that commenced on February 15, encompassing visits to various cities in China, including Shenzhen, Shangyou, and Hebi, before wrapping up in Beijing. Participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese traditions during the Spring Festival, the country's most significant holiday.

According to reports, approximately 80 students from both nations participated in doubles matches, fostering a spirit of collaboration and friendly rivalry. Zhang Jin, the deputy director general at the Ministry of Education’s international cooperation department, welcomed the attendees at Tsinghua. She noted that for many, this was their first experience with Chinese New Year customs, such as making dumplings and enjoying lion dances. “This will be the perfect experience for you to see and experience a real and dynamic China,” she remarked.

Zhang emphasized the role of youth as “special envoys of China-US friendship,” highlighting the initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over five years. “Today, we choose sport as a common language,” she stated, adding that the bonds formed through shared experiences are often stronger than words.

The US delegation was led by Jeffrey Sullivan, who oversees athletics for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. He reflected on the significance of the Spring Festival, a time for family and tradition. “We have been able to immerse ourselves in Spring Festival, and that doesn’t just happen. It happens because the people here in China have welcomed us with open arms,” he shared.

Sullivan drew parallels between the current exchange and the historical 'ping-pong diplomacy,' expressing the group's goal of strengthening relationships through pickleball. “We build friendship one relationship, one rally at a time,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of personal connections in international relations.

For many students, the exchange was as much about forming friendships as it was about cultural exploration. Addison Kain, an 11th grader from Maryland, expressed her enjoyment in connecting with peers from across the globe. “We’re able to joke and share interests in sports, making friends despite our different backgrounds,” she noted. She has maintained contact with her new friends through WeChat and looks forward to returning to China.

Chinese students also shared positive sentiments about the exchange. Hou Jingfu, a 14-year-old from Beijing No 10 Middle School, described the American participants as “very friendly and enthusiastic.” Liang Mengling, a 15-year-old from Beijing Qian Xuesen Middle School, appreciated the openness of the US students, recalling a moment when a taller American boy helped her join a group photo. “This experience shows that goodwill can be expressed in simple ways,” she remarked, believing that the friendships formed will last. “Understanding another world and their way of life through this is truly valuable,” she added.