9th Taicang China-Germany Friendship Cup: Building Bridges Through Table Tennis in Duesseldorf

On September 26, 2026, the 9th Taicang China-Germany Friendship Cup brought together German and Chinese table tennis players in Düsseldorf for a day of sporting excellence, international friendship, and cultural exchange. Hosted at the renowned ARAG CenterCourt of Borussia Düsseldorf, the tournament once again demonstrated how sport can connect people and strengthen relations between Germany and China.

From Taicang to Düsseldorf: A Tradition of Friendship

The China-Germany Friendship Cup has developed into an established platform for people-to-people exchange between the two countries. Its origins date back to 2015, when German table tennis legend Timo Boll visited Taicang, Jiangsu Province. The first tournament followed in 2016, laying the foundation for a series of sporting encounters that have since brought together athletes, businesses, and communities from both countries.

Initiated by Christian Sommer, Chairman of German Centre Shanghai, the Friendship Cup has always pursued a vision extending beyond sporting competition: promoting mutual understanding and cooperation through personal encounters.

Following previous editions in both China and Germany, the ninth tournament returned to Germany, this time to Düsseldorf, one of Europe’s leading centres of table tennis.

Sporting Excellence and Exciting Finals

The 2026 tournament featured 16 teams from Germany and China, competing in two categories: a professional competition (Class A) and an amateur and youth competition (Class B).

The professional category brought together high-level players, including German national team player Ricardo Walther and Borussia Düsseldorf professional Li Yongyin. In a closely contested final, Team DBEST defeated Xu Yan Jilin TT-Club 3–1 to secure the Class A title.

For German Centre Shanghai, the amateur competition provided a particular highlight: the GC All-Star Team, led by tournament initiator Christian Sommer, emerged victorious in Class B. After an exciting final against the Changshu Table Tennis Association, the decisive match secured a 3–2 victory and the championship title for the GC All-Stars.

Beyond the results, the tournament was characterized by competitive spirit, mutual respect, and a shared enthusiasm for table tennis.

More Than Sport: Strengthening German-Chinese Relations

The Friendship Cup also welcomed representatives from the German-Chinese business and diplomatic communities, including Acting Consul General Chang Haitao of the Chinese Consulate General in Düsseldorf.

For Christian Sommer, the event illustrates why German-Chinese relations should extend beyond economic cooperation:

“German-Chinese friendship is so important because it is of outstanding significance for the economy. But it should not be reduced to economic relations alone. It should extend into every area of life, including culture, sport, and society.”

This philosophy has shaped the Friendship Cup since its inception. By bringing together professional athletes, amateur players, business representatives, and supporters, the tournament creates opportunities for dialogue and personal connections in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual appreciation.

For German Centre Shanghai, fostering these connections reflects a central part of its mission: supporting German-Chinese cooperation not only in business, but also through community engagement and cultural exchange.

Looking Ahead: The 10th Anniversary in Taicang

Following the successful Düsseldorf edition, preparations are turning toward a special milestone: the 10th China-Germany Friendship Cup, scheduled for 2027 in Taicang, Jiangsu Province.

Known for its strong German business community and longstanding ties with Germany, Taicang provides a fitting setting for the anniversary edition.

German Centre Shanghai looks forward to continuing this tradition and bringing people together through sport, friendship, and shared experiences.

Our sincere thanks go to Borussia Düsseldorf, the organizers, participating teams, sponsors, partners, and supporters whose commitment made the ninth edition possible.

We look forward to seeing you in Taicang in 2027!