Hongbo Liang Awarded AIS Coaching Scholarship

TTA is pleased to announce that Hongbo Liang has been awarded a National Generation 2032 Coach Program scholarship.

The Program is a joint initiative between the Australian Institute of Sport and National Sporting Organisations and through the role, Hongbo will become a full-time TTA employee for two years. Hongbo is one of only 11 men and 31 people overall to earn a scholarship across all Australian sports.

Hongbo has been working with TTA on a part-time basis for the past 2.5 years, overseeing the daily training environment for NSW based National Squad members, as well as coaching at the National Hopes Week & Challenge and national training camps, plus assisting at national events. Originally from China, Hongbo was a high level player in his own right, representing Heilongjiang Province and then playing as a professional in Japan. For the past 10 years, Hongbo has continually built up his coaching experience and credentials.

TTA National Head Coach (Able-Bodied) John Murphy commented, “I’m thrilled to see Hongbo earn this AIS scholarship coach position. Hongbo has been a strong contributor to TTA in recent years and it’s no surprise that Hongbo’s involvement has coincided with the quality and quantity of junior players increasing in Australia.

“Hongbo is one of the brightest coaching prospects in Australia and his people skills are very strong. No doubt he will do well in this role and I look forward to mentoring Hongbo through this scholarship and beyond. TTA had no hesitation in nominating Hongbo for this role and we are grateful that AIS saw fit to include Hongbo in the program.”

AIS Acting Director Matti Clements said: “Quality coaching is the foundation for sport at all levels, so it’s wonderful to see the Australian high performance sport system combining forces to develop the next generation of coaches who will guide Australian athletes on the world stage for many years to come.

“The aim is that coaches involved in this apprenticeship program will transition to become Australia’s coaching leaders of the future, and we’d hope to see many of them coaching in Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the program is focused on enhancing the depth and diversity within Australia’s high performance coaching ranks.

“The future success of Australian athletes and sport relies heavily on identifying, developing and retaining our best coaching talent so we can build sustainable success,” Perkins said. “We want Australia to be a world leader in coach development and this is a big step in that direction.

“The coaches in this inaugural program are immersed in high performance sporting environments to fast-track their progress. They’ll have guidance from a senior mentor coach, plus they’ll receive formal professional development and education through the AIS. It’s a national approach.”

Hongbo Liang commented, “I am getting closer to my dream by working full-time for TTA by earning a National Generation 2032 Coach Program scholarship. But this is just the start. I will do everything I can to push Australian table tennis to a higher level.”

Congratulations Hongbo!