Peace and Sport host historic Table Tennis Cup in Qatar

40 years after “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” helped to restore diplomatic relations between USA and China during the Cold War, Table Tennis is once again making history by uniting North Korea and South Korea, India and Pakistan through sport.

Peace and Sport Table Tennis Cup
“Peace and Sport, l’Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport” and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) proceeded yesterday with the official competition draws for the "Peace and Sport Table Tennis Cup", a historic table tennis tournament conceived to encourage dialogue and reconciliation between nations, which is being held in Qatar on 21 - 22 November 2011.

Pairings for the 10 participating nations are as follows:

1. People's Republic of China (China) paired with Qatar
2. France with Japan
3. India with Pakistan
4. Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) with Republic of Korea (South Korea)
5. USA with Russia

These pairings create unforgettable and historic matches in line with the ultimate goal of the event. By playing together as doubles teams, the athletes pave the way to ease political tensions, unite nations through table tennis and promote peace. Diplomats from the 10 participating nations are also invited to watch the tournament, offering further opportunities for the countries to interact and foster dialogue at the highest level.

Founded by Modern Pentathlon former World Champion and Olympic medallist Joel Bouzou, and placed under the High-Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, “Peace and Sport” along with the ITTF is the instigator of this friendly event organized by the Qatar Table Tennis Association, with support from the National Olympic Committee of Qatar.

Peace and Sport
Joel Bouzou, President of Peace and Sport commented: "By pairing together, the athletes provide an example of amicable teamwork to diplomats and government representatives from the 10 participating nations who are invited to watch the tournament. The neutral status of sport provides an ideal environment for people to meet and discuss with no fixed agenda.  That’s the power of sport!”

International Table Tennis Federation 
Adham Sharara, ITTF President speaking prior to the event echoed many of Joel Bozou's thoughts and said, "I am very happy that all the participating countries have put peace and sport ahead of any political differences. This is the right way forward and we are witnessing history and a new era for sport as a means for promoting peace."