Olympic Games

Venues-Peking University Gymnasium

Table tennis is hot in China

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 | 2:31 PM ET

Bernice Chan CBC Sports

A general view of Peking University Gymnasium in Beijing. (Liu JinGetty Images)

It seems almost every other person in China knows how to play table tennis. It was one of those compulsory sports that everyone learned in school. And today if they aren’t picking up a paddle and smashing a few balls, they eagerly crowd around the television watching China’s best in international table tennis tournaments.

While it seems like a relatively simple game to play, it’s harder than it looks. As a tennis player it was difficult for me to switch from playing on a large court area to playing on an area the size of -- a table.

For me the problem was hitting the ball at the right angle so that it would land on the table on the other side of the net instead of on the floor. So watching the pros manipulate such a small, light ball on such a small surface gives you a new appreciation for the game.

Tickets are scarce

Because table tennis – ping pong, if you want – is one of China’s top sports, tickets to the table tennis games at the Beijing Olympics are hot items. In August the competition will be held at the Peking University Gymnasium, in Haidian district, in the northwest side of the city.

An elevated view of the arena at the Peking University Gymnasium in Beijing, China. (China Photos/Getty Images)The university is China’s second oldest and is considered one of the most prestigious post-secondary institutions in the country. Any student who achieves a near flawless academic record and is accepted at Peking University can practically be assured of a fast-track career to success.

Situated on the former site of the Qing Dynasty royal gardens, much of the campus retains the traditional Chinese architecture, including the new gymnasium. The building imitates the style of a traditional Chinese roof with its undulating panels, but it has a modern touch with a giant globe on top that designers say symbolizes a table tennis ball.

Inside, the ball theme continues, with a giant circular ceiling that gives a cagey feeling. Below, there are eight tables standing side by side and the stands hold 6,000 fans. Designers have made sure the building meets the strict requirements of the International Table Tennis Federation, making it the world’s first professional arena dedicated to the sport.

Cool and quiet venue

The state-of-the-art air conditioning system is such that it makes little noise and the wind speed is no more than 0.2m/s so that it won’t affect the table tennis balls in play. The vents pumping in cool air are located under the audience’s seats so as to lessen the distraction for players. The building has a double-layered metal surface for waterproofing and heat insulation, as well as minimizing sounds from outside.

Once the Games are over, the gymnasium will be converted into a multi-purpose space for other table tennis tournaments, as well as handball, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and sports training.