The competitive side of the game is best described by Peco's character. Peco's one goal in life is to become the greatest Ping Pong player alive, however Peco is not able to put in the work to get there. Peco's development throughout the movie plays a key role in characterizing not only the game Ping Pong, but competition in general. Often times athletes aspire to be something great, yet are not willing to put in the work. Only near the end, when Peco decides he really wants to be the best, does he put in the training and effort necessary.
Smile, on the other hand, has no desire to play the game: playing only to pass the time. Unhappy with the competitiveness of the game, Smile is unwilling to play to his potential. Like all other sports, Smile's character can best be characterized as an athlete pushed too hard, in order to achieve full potential. Often times, these athletes lose their love for the game, making it hard for them to continue to have fun training. Only near the end, when Smile decides just to play for fun, does Smile achieve his true potential.
Ping Pong plays a key role in characterizing many genuine attitudes of athletes. The movie helps prove that anything, with the right competition, can be made into a sport. Although a seemingly odd choice sporting choice, the directors do a good job to help the audience relate to both determined Peco, and unhappy Smile: better portraying two commonly misunderstood attitudes of athletes.
