Zhang Xielin recalls his tour to the US back in 1972 and expresses his hope for further celebrations:

Quotation: "We played exhibition games with workers in Detroit and had many parties together. Time really flies. My hair was black back in those days, but now it has all turned white – I feel like I’ve become old. I hope the tradition of Ping Pong Diplomacy will carry on and we can celebrate a 40th and 50th anniversary in the future. I also hope the friendship between people of China and people from the United States will be consolidated with the participation of more young athletes. "