China Introduces Transparent Racket Case After World Championship Controversy

 📍In response to recent controversy at the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships in Qatar 🇶🇦, the Chinese Table Tennis Association 🇨🇳 has introduced a new transparent plastic case designed to protect players’ rackets during their transport from the racket control room to the competition court. This new measure—already seen in use during the ongoing 2025 Chinese Super League—is intended to prevent scratches, tampering, or other forms of damage to the rackets.

• In professional table tennis, players are required to submit their rackets to match officials shortly before a match for a mandatory control inspection. Traditionally, these rackets have been transported in plain brown envelopes, offering minimal protection and no visibility of the racket’s condition during handling.

• The decision to adopt transparent cases was prompted by a serious incident involving world number 2 Wang Chuqin 🇨🇳 during the mixed doubles event at the 2025 World Championships. Wang reported that, upon receiving his racket prior to a match against the Brazilian pair Hugo Calderano and Bruna Takahashi 🇧🇷, he observed visible scratches on the rubber and slight peeling along the edge. He stated that the racket was in flawless condition when submitted. However, the umpire claimed it had been returned unchanged. As a result, Wang was forced to compete using a backup racket.

• In light of this incident, the Chinese Table Tennis Association has taken a proactive and protective measure, setting a potential standard for the global table tennis community. The transparent case provides full visual confirmation of the racket’s condition at all times and adds an essential layer of security against potential tampering or mishandling.