Bank of China U.S.A. Hosts the Inaugural Pickleball Friendship Cup for the U.S.-China Business Community

On September 12, 2026, the Bank of China Cup Inaugural Pickleball Friendship Tournament was held at CityPickle Times Square in New York City, bringing together members and friends of the U.S.-China business community for a day of friendly competition and connection.

Co-sponsored with Ramsports and supported by the China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) Foundation, the event welcomed participating companies and organizations to the inaugural tournament. Corporate teams took to the courts for a series of doubles matches and final matches were played by mixed U.S. and Chinese corporate teams, creating opportunities for participants to connect outside the workplace through friendly competition.

More than half a century ago, another much smaller paddle helped bring two very large countries a little closer together. In 1971, what became known as “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” demonstrated something important: Relationships between nations are not built only across negotiating tables. They are also built across dinner tables, and occasionally across a ping-pong table.

Or, in this case, a pickleball court.

People-to-people connection is an important pillar of geopolitical relations, through business, culture, tourism, and sports. Bank of China’s commitment to cultivating the U.S.-China relationship has shone through in our ability to build bridges by connecting businesses, markets, opportunities, and most importantly, people.

The event featured remarks from Xiaoxiao MA, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York; Li REN, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of China U.S.A.; and Richard Gossett, Founder and CEO of Ramsports International.

“Today’s tournament brings together teams from businesses in both the U.S. and China. Sports provide a natural and enjoyable way for people to get to know one another and strengthen connections.”

Xiaoxiao Ma

Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York

“Decades ago, Ping-Pong played a pivotal role in establishing diplomatic ties between China and the US. Today, pickleball is forging a new bond for bilateral exchanges. Today’s event is about Pickleball. It is about People. It is about Partnership, and it is about Prospects.  We hope this sport can create more opportunities for our business partners and community friends to connect creating opportunities for friendship, connection and collaboration. The relationships built on the court today do not have to end when the matches are over—they can continue well beyond the final point.”

Li Ren

President and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of China U.S.A.

“One of the things I love most about pickleball is how naturally it brings people together. Many of the friendships I have made started through this sport.”

Richard Gosset

Founder and CEO, Ramsports International

Congratulations to JP Morgan, CITIC and Bank of China U.S.A. for taking the top three spots in the winners circle and thank you to all the teams, participants and partners who helped make this inaugural tournament far more than just a sporting event. It was a day of friendship, exchange, healthy competition, and mutual understanding. At Bank of China U.S.A., we are proud to support opportunities that build bridges, bring people and organizations together and strengthen connections across the communities we serve. What better way to do that than through enjoying the growing sport of pickleball in the heart of New York City.

Bank of China U.S.A. extends its appreciation to Ramsports, the CGCC Foundation, CityPickle Times Square, participating teams and everyone who contributed to the event’s success.