The University of Nottingham are pleased to announce the arrival of their first Deng Yaping Scholar.

Haoyu Liu arrived this month and will initially study English whilst also benefitting from the top class table tennis programme provided by the university.

The Deng Yaping Scholarship was founded by the former Olympic and World Champion who graduated from the University of Nottingham and wanted to offer something back to Chinese nationals who are current or future elite prospects. The scheme provides scholarships at undergraduate, postgraduate and study exchange level.

Haoyu Liu began playing table tennis in china at the age of six and is a double medallist at the National Colleges Table Tennis Championship of China.

She said: “I chose the University of Nottingham as it is one of the most famous universities in the world and Deng Yaping is my role model. The scholarship will support me to achieve my academic goals whilst being able to move forwards with my table tennis objectives. It is a great honour to me.”

Director of the programme, Nicola Perry is delighted to welcome Haoyu Liu to the University. She said: “I believe this is the start of many players from around the world choosing our unique package of support which is totally unrivalled at university level, and delivers high-quality table tennis coaching in an elite academic setting.”

The programme includes up to 15 hours of quality play per week, with access to an exceptional team of coaches, and consists of both group and individual sessions which can focus on specific goals, using techniques such as multiball, video analysis and mentoring. There is also a strength and conditioning programme and access to physiotherapy.

This will all take place in the brand new £40 million David Ross sports village due for completion in September. The sports village will be sector-leading, equipped with an advanced human performance centre and a high specification table tennis hall.

For more information or to apply for a scholarship please click here