Former ping-pong greats call for stars to play a revival role

Beijing, Sep.10 (ANI): Former table tennis greats Liu Guoliang and Jorgen Persson have highlighted the need for high profile stars to play a role in reviving interest in the sport among the young.

While Former Olympic and world champion Liu said China's "national sport" retained its popularity among the old, the younger generation was showing less interest.

"We should seek different ways to promote the sport at the grassroots level," the Chinese men's head coach told the China Daily.

Swedish former world champion Jorgen Persson shared the same concerns as Liu, his vanquisher in the bronze medal match at the 2000 Olympics.

"We need more promotion for the sport and the key is a star, we need Beckhams in table tennis," the 46-year-old told the paper. (ANI)