University of Nottingham launches Deng Yaping sports scholarships

The University of Nottingham is launching a sports scholarship scheme for talented Chinese students in honour of alumna and legendary Chinese table tennis champion, Deng Yaping. Addressing a distinguished audience at the Beijing alumni dinner for the three cohorts to go through the British government's prestigious Chevening scheme at the University, Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Greenaway announced the special scholarships, named after iconic Olympian Dr Deng, who was guest of honour. In additional recognition of her contribution to sport, Professor Greenaway also told the audience that Dr Deng, a Master's graduate of The University of Nottingham, who retired from the sport in 1997, would receive an honorary doctorate this summer. Responding to the accolade, Dr Deng said: "I am honoured that such a world-famous university would set up a scholarship in my name. The opportunity of studying in the UK will help recipients achieve a wealth of knowledge, become more familiar with international rules and understand different cultures. "I am really keen to help young sporting talent with their challenges in life and help athletes with transformation after retirement. Since they already possess good psychological qualities and indomitable will, once they have the opportunities to receive higher education, they can be very successful in many industries.