It was my first time hearing about pickleball. At first, I thought it was a difficult and complex sport, but it turned out to be easy and fun. It's so simple that anyone can play it—even older adults. Not only does it help us stay healthy, but it also helps us connect with others.

What's even more amazing is that pickleball can promote cultural exchange between the US and China. It highlights Chinese characteristics on the global stage. As one student in the delegation said, pickleball allows more people to see both how different and how similar life in China is.

Pickleball reminds me of the famous "ping-pong diplomacy" between China and the US in history. It could open up new opportunities to break down barriers and create fresh channels for interaction and friendship between the two countries.

It's my first time to hear about it. I'm so curiously how to play it!

“匹克球” is a fast-growing racket sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a plastic ball with holes. What makes it stand out—especially compared to more competitive sports like tennis or basketball—is its intentional focus on accessibility, fun, and social connection. 

Pickleball is designed to be easy to learn, even for beginners. The smaller court means less running, the lightweight paddle reduces physical strain, and the ball's slower speed (compared to a tennis ball) makes it easier to hit and control. 

In short, pickleball's design and culture turn it into more than a sport: it's a social equalizer. By making play accessible, prioritizing connection over competition, and creating spaces where people of all kinds can engage joyfully, it builds bridges that extend far beyond the court. In a world often divided by differences, that's a powerful way to bring people together.

I'd never heard of it.