Two-time Olympic gold medalist Wang Liqin has been elected as the new president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) at the age of 46. The former world champion is set to lead China’s esteemed table tennis team into a new era, with eyes firmly set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Wang expressed both excitement and a sense of responsibility following his election on Wednesday. “I’m still very excited and at the same time quite nervous, because this is indeed a significant responsibility,” he said. “I will make my contribution through my work and by developing Chinese table tennis.”
A legendary figure in the sport, Wang Liqin was recruited to China’s national team in 1993. He clinched his first Olympic gold at the 2000 Sydney Games in the men’s doubles alongside Yan Sen. Over the years, Wang amassed an impressive 16 world championship titles, including singles, doubles, and team events. His illustrious career saw him stand atop podiums at the 2001 and 2005 World Championships, and secure gold in the men’s team event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Retiring from the national team in 2013, Wang has since served as vice president of the CTTA since 2018. As president, he aims to guide China to further success on the global stage. “The preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics have already begun,” Wang stated. “We need to formulate a preparation strategy for these six events, especially as the table tennis events at the 2028 Games have been adjusted from five gold medals to six.”
Current Chinese table tennis stars have expressed their support and optimism under Wang’s leadership. Ma Long, a multiple Olympic champion, said, “I will pay more attention to the development of young athletes and the construction of the reserve team. I have many years of competition and training experience, and I hope to provide more advice to young athletes.”
Sun Yingsha, another top player, commented on the challenges ahead. “The new Olympic cycle will bring more challenges and difficulties. Table tennis at the Los Angeles Olympics has added a mixed team event,” she said. “I think it is both an opportunity and a challenge. I hope that under the leadership of President Wang, Chinese table tennis can continue to achieve great success. I will also do my best to win every match.”
Wang Chuqin, reflecting on the leadership transition, added, “Whether it was the previous CTTA president or the current one, they were all decided by the General Administration of Sport of China after careful consideration. We athletes should all do our jobs well.”
As Wang Liqin takes on his new role, fans and players alike are eager to see how his experience and passion for the sport will shape the future of Chinese table tennis.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com