Rare old photos: Prime Minister plays table tennis with the Ghanaian president in Africa, and Chen Yi is the referee!
This photo is rarely seen and is very precious. It records the scene of Prime Minister Zhou Enlai playing table tennis with Ghana's first president Nkrumah on January 15, 1964. It was taken at the official residence of President Akra, Ghana. The photographer was the famous photographer Du Xiuxian .
Premier Zhou Enlai and Chen Yi Deputy Prime Minister found a table tennis table during talks with Nkrumah. At that time, Ghanaian President Nkrumma had just been assassinated and injured. In order to calm his tension, Zhou Enlai proposed to play a game of table tennis. President Nkrumma immediately agreed happily, and Chen Yi said, "I'll be the referee!"
So, a rare table tennis match between the leaders of the two countries began. Zhou Enlai had an old injury on his right arm, and Nkrumma was a new injury to the assassination. The two of them were not at high level, but they were in great enthusiasm. It can be seen from the photo that the Prime Minister pushed the ball over with a relaxed smile, and President Nkrumah also smiled and received the ball. Chen Yi watched the game with all his attention and looked as focused and serious as a professional referee. This rare moment was captured by Du Xiuxian!
