ZIMBABWE’S national men’s table tennis team is undergoing a high-intensity training programme led by Chinese-born coach Wang Liping, with players reporting significant changes to their preparation.
The programme consists of extended daily sessions focused on technical drills, footwork and tactical correction.
Vikram Singh, Zimbabwe’s top-ranked player, said he completed seven sessions over the past two weeks, each lasting about five hours.
According to Singh, the sessions are designed to target specific weaknesses in his game, particularly his looping stroke.
“Every week that I come back, you make it tougher for me to return the ball,” he said in a message to the coach.
“Despite the drain in energy, I feel I’ve made so much progress just in one session.”
In practice matches during the training, Wang defeated Singh 11-3 in three or four of four games.
Singh said the scores were intentional and served as a measure of the gap between his current level and the standards the coach expects.
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National team captain Brian Chamboko also participated, completing a three-hour session.
He described it as “an eye opener”.
Singh said Wang closed his shop early to allow for additional training time.
“It just shows the dedication, responsibility and passion you have towards your position as a coach,” he added.
The training comes as Zimbabwe seeks to raise its standing in regional and continental table tennis.
The country has historically competed with limited resources and a smaller player pool compared to other African nations.
Wang’s stated philosophy is that sustained, high-volume training produces measurable progress.
Players say the approach has increased the difficulty of drills week to week and forced adjustments to technique and fitness.
It remains to be seen how the program translates to results in upcoming tournaments.
Singh, who competed at the Golden Peacock tournament, said he does not feel like the same player he was at that event.
“I feel that the sky is the limit now,” he said.
Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union is yet to release a schedule for the team’s next international competitions.
