The Bay Area plays an important role in the world of Olympic table tennis. One big reason is Burlingame's 888 Table Tennis Center.
The practice facility, which attracts many Olympians and aspiring Olympians, will be designated as an official U.S. Olympic training facility on April 23.
“This confirms the fact that we are the national training center for the U.S. National Team, Team USA and the ITTF program, which is an international program,” Angela Batinovic said. “This is really where the flagship for the United States and for table tennis in general will be located.”
Hwang Bae and his younger brother Wong, both of whom are on the Australian national team, are training for the Olympic squad in 888.
“We have quality tables, quality floor, quality tables and players,” Bae said. “Anything and everything is here.”
The 30,000-square-foot facility features 30 tables and helps athletes maintain one of their biggest challenges: mental toughness.
“They're working really hard,” coach Shin Zhou said. “I think there should be more emphasis on the mental side. They need to study every opponent and prepare for every strategy.”
Nikhil Kumar agrees. The San Jose native finished in the top 32 at the Tokyo Olympics. He said he is mentally prepared to earn a spot in Paris thanks to his 888 training and Olympic experience.
“I knew what I needed to do to prepare and be the best version of myself, to be ready for this moment,” he said. “I think it helped prepare me, especially mentally, to understand what I wanted out of these events and what it would take. It was very helpful.”
