🏓 A New Chapter for Chinese Table Tennis: Wang Liqin Takes the Lead

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🏓 A New Chapter for Chinese Table Tennis: Wang Liqin Takes the Lead

Just months after China's clean sweep at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the winds of change are blowing in the heart of Chinese table tennis. On April 24, 2025, the legendary Wang Liqin officially succeeded Liu Guoliang as President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), marking the beginning of a bold new era.

The timing couldn’t be more symbolic: just days earlier, Hugo Calderano shocked the world by breaking China’s singles dominance at the 2025 ITTF Men’s World Cup in Macao. That result set the tone for what lies ahead—renewed global pressure, a shifting power balance, and the urgent need for adaptation.

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🏆 From Gold Medals to Governance

Wang Liqin is no stranger to the international spotlight. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion, he formed the legendary trio “Two Wangs and One Ma” alongside Wang Hao and Ma Lin—who now serve as coaches of China’s national teams.

“I’m excited but also nervous. It’s a heavy responsibility,” said Wang Liqin during the CTTA’s 10th member congress. “Our preparation for Los Angeles 2028 has already begun. With the IOC adding a sixth gold medal event, we need to plan ahead.”

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🇨🇳 Legacy, Leadership, and Looking Forward

Wang’s appointment was widely supported, with Ma Long and Gao Yuanyi also elected as CTTA vice-presidents. Notably, Ma Long—still active as a top-level player—represents the CTTA’s emphasis on athlete-leaders who can bridge generations.

Outgoing president Liu Guoliang leaves behind a historic legacy. Elected in 2018, he led China to 9 out of 10 Olympic table tennis gold medals across the Tokyo and Paris Games. His leadership set the gold standard.

“Liu Guoliang’s efforts over eight Olympic cycles helped solidify China’s unmatched dominance in table tennis,” noted Liu Guoyong, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China.

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🔍 Challenges Ahead: Global Pressure Rising

Despite recent dominance, China’s men's singles supremacy showed signs of vulnerability in Macao, where Calderano defeated multiple Chinese players en route to gold. This result may serve as a crucial moment for Wang Liqin as he takes the reins.

His first major test as president? The World Team Table Tennis Championships in Doha, scheduled for May 17–25, 2025. China has named a full-strength squad, although Olympic champions Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng will not compete.

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🏓 Leadership Evolution with Familiar Faces

This “New Era” doesn’t erase the past—it builds on it. Wang Liqin, Wang Hao, Ma Lin, and Ma Long are now united not only by past glory but by their shared commitment to Chinese table tennis’s future.

Their goal? To protect the legacy, develop the next generation, and adapt to a rapidly evolving global landscape.

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🔥 Wang Liqin vs Liu Guoliang – Who Leads the Future?

China’s table tennis throne has a new ruler 🇨🇳
Just days after Hugo Calderano’s historic win in Macao, Wang Liqin officially took over as CTTA President 🏆
Now the question is: can he defend China’s legacy in this new era?

🗳️ Vote now in our community poll!
Who do YOU think is the better CTTA President?

📊 Poll Options:

• Wang Liqin – The New Era Begins

• Liu Guoliang – The Golden Legacy

🧠 Let your voice be heard! Comment your thoughts and join the debate.

https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxN4n3DErdWaoW7ztRynvsyeflak84xkd8

📸 Photos courtesy of IMAGO

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Source: China Daily. All rights belong to the original publisher.

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Fan Zhendong Sparks Ticket Frenzy in Germany – Saarbrücken Adds Temporary Stands! 🏓🔥

Olympic champion Fan Zhendong has already created a massive wave of excitement in Germany following his move to TTC Saarbrücken.

The club announced that tickets for its first two home matches of the new TTBL season – against TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt and Borussia Dortmund – sold out almost instantly. To meet the overwhelming demand, Saarbrücken decided to install temporary stands for the first three home games. Additionally, an onsite ticket office will be set up to give local fans a fair chance to buy tickets.

The 28-year-old Fan, who joined Saarbrücken in June, will make his German league debut on August 31. German media highlight that his arrival has completely transformed the atmosphere. Last season, the club attracted around 400 to 600 spectators per home game. But with Fan on board, the 2,000-seat arena is already selling out a month in advance. The club has even hinted at the possibility of moving certain matches to a larger venue to accommodate the growing crowds.

“The club is being overwhelmed because of the new signing of Fan. We are already receiving countless ticket inquiries, including many from Asia,” Nicolas Barrois, Saarbrücken’s head of organization, told ZDF earlier this summer.

Fan Zhendong secured both men’s singles and team gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the 11th player in history to achieve a career Grand Slam – Olympic Games, World Championships, and World Cup.

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We Love Table Tennis! gre78.tv | KOUSgroup | https://gre78.blogspot.com/

Source: Global Times. All rights belong to the original publisher.

📸 Photos courtesy of IMAGO

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One Year Ago: The First Para Table Tennis Medals Were Awarded in Paris 2024

One year ago today, history was made at South Paris Arena 4 as the first Paralympic Para table tennis gold medals in doubles competition since 1976 were awarded. It was a night filled with emotion, drama, and outstanding performances that redefined the stage of Paralympic sport.

The evening was dominated by China, who claimed both doubles titles in commanding fashion. Huang Wenjuan and Jin Yucheng opened the medal ceremonies by winning Class 14 Women’s Doubles gold, overcoming Germany’s Stephanie Grebe and Juliane Wolf in a thrilling four-game battle (11-4, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8).

For 16-year-old Jin Yucheng, making her Paralympic debut after just beginning international play in 2023, the gold medal was a breathtaking milestone. Her rapid rise to champion status became a symbol of the inspiring power of Paralympic sport.

“It feels so good. I never imagined I could get a gold medal,” reflected Huang. “This was a very good start for the whole Chinese team. We are good friends, too, and we will be even better friends after winning this gold medal together.”

The second gold came in the Class 5 Women’s Doubles, where Liu Jing and Xue Juan defeated Korea Republic’s Seo Su Yen and Yoon Jiyu 3-1 (11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9). This victory added to their incredible legacies: Liu reached eight gold medals across four Paralympic Games, while Xue celebrated her fourth Paralympic gold in just two appearances. Both still maintain a perfect record—winning every Paralympic event they have entered.

Xue shared an emotional reflection:

“I am very happy to win tonight for my daughter. She is still young and I hope I can have more wonderful stories to tell her when she grows up.”

The bronze medals also carried remarkable stories. In Class 14, Great Britain’s Felicity Packard and Bly Twomey earned bronze—14-year-old Twomey becoming one of the youngest Paralympic table tennis medallists in history.

“It feels amazing, I didn’t think I would get a medal this young and I was really surprised today,” said Twomey.

Partner Packard praised both the achievement and the atmosphere:

“It’s been incredible playing with Bly and our performance to get the bronze medal. The atmosphere has just been absolutely incredible, I think we were prepared for the crowds but nothing like this.”

Additional bronze medals went to Norway’s Aida Music Dahlen and Merethe Tveiten in Class 14, while Brazil’s Caria Oliveira and Joyce Oliveria, together with Thailand’s Dararat Asayut and Chilchitparyak Bootwansirina, shared bronze in Class 5.

Looking back one year later, the night of 31 August 2024 stands as a defining moment when Paralympic table tennis reclaimed its doubles tradition after 48 years. From Jin Yucheng’s debut triumph to the legendary careers of Liu Jing and Xue Juan, from Bly Twomey’s historic bronze to the overwhelming atmosphere at South Paris Arena 4—this was a night when sport exceeded even the loftiest expectations.

The return of doubles to the Paralympic stage could not have been scripted better: golden performances, emotional celebrations, and stories that perfectly captured the spirit of Paralympic sport. Truly, it was one of those magical evenings.

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We Love Table Tennis! gre78.tv | KOUSgroup | https://gre78.blogspot.com/

Source: [www.ittf.com]. All rights belong to the original publisher.

📸 Photos courtesy of IMAGO 

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