"SOIC", the only open international table tennis championships held in the Asian region, was created by Korea Table Tennis Association (KTTA). The first (SOIC), held August 26-29, 1980, was entered by the athletes from 35 countries. SOIC is also of extra significance to us in that it enables Korean table tennis to break through the international isolation brought about in the 1970's by North Korea's persistent biased propaganda. The Championships is of great benefit to us. It provides us with an opportunity to let some countries of the world cast off their misinformed image of us. It is also expected to help us form a springboard for new sports diplomacy, which will, in turn, help KTTA succeed in bringing the 1987 World Table Tennis Championships to Korea. But the immediate fruit of holding such an international contest is that Korean table tennis will be given fresh stimulus and vigor, along with new techniques, which are essential for it to maintain its international status.