Ping-Pong Paddle - The National Museum of American Diplomacy

In April 1971, nine players from the U.S. Table Tennis team took a historic trip to China. Their trip was the start of what became known as “ping-pong diplomacy” and helped lay the groundwork for establishing official diplomatic relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Connie Sweeris was one of the nine players. During the trip, while visiting a small, pop-up gift shop “friendship store” set up by their hosts and stocked with potential souvenirs, Sweeris was presented with this table tennis paddle made by the popular “Double Happiness” brand.

Museum of American Diplomacy to Open in 2017

China, US mark 48 years of 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy', Nation

Photos: From Ping Pong to Judo, World Leaders Practice Sports

50th Anniversary: how witnesses review the legacy of the

50 Years Later, The Legacy Of U.S.-China 'Pingpong Diplomacy

Ping Pong Diplomacy resonates a half century later - Paddle Palace

Commemoration held in California to mark 48th anniversary of China

Wally Green: How table tennis saved my life

The National Museum of American Diplomacy

History of China-US Ping-Pong Diplomacy - Global Times

Ping-Pong Diplomacy eBook by Nicholas Griffin

Ping Pong Diplomacy on Behance

History of U.S. Table Tennis - Vol. V: 1971-1972, PDF