Peran dan Kontribusi International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Terhadap Diplomasi Ping-Pong (Tennis Meja) Tiongkok

Abstract

Abstract

Sport was utilized as a psychological tool following World War 2 and as a tool for diplomacy. Diplomacy using sports instruments is considered effective in achieving internal and external political goals. Organizing sporting events is also considered to be able to bring benefits to the host country, such as benefits in economic terms, as well as benefits in other aspects such as social and culture. Diplomacy using sport is also considered very relevant to modern times in line with the increasing popularity of international sporting events and the increasing number of participating teams from various countries. This paper examines the role and contribution of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to the implementation of Chinese Ping-Pong diplomacy which has political goals, prestige and strengthening relations with other countries through sports events that China participates in, facilitated by the ITTF. In reviewing this research, the authors used the concept of sporting nationalism and the theory Laverty and Grix refer to sports diplomacy, where the state can use sport as a diplomatic tool by succeeding in the competitions that make up the ingredients. Thus, the findings in this paper state that the ITTF's role and contribution to the implementation of Ping-Pong diplomacy by China is considered successful in forming the country's image and building better relations through sporting events held by the ITTF.

Keywords: Sport Diplomacy, Ping-Pong, China, ITTF, Sporting Nationalism