New chapter begins, as leadership torch gets handed down

Just months after sweeping all the gold medals at the Paris Olympics, Chinese table tennis isn't resting on its laurels. With the Los Angeles 2028 Games three years away, the sport is already stepping boldly into the future — a hallmark of its enduring dominance: never dwelling on past glory, never fearing change.

On Wednesday, a symbolic passing of the torch took place, as Wang Liqin, former Olympic and world champion, was named president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, succeeding Chinese table tennis icon Liu Guoliang.

Wang steps into the role at a critical juncture, facing Olympic format changes, ongoing cultural shifts in the sport, and the ever-present challenge of maintaining China's grip on global table tennis.

Success, however, is nothing new to Wang. In the 2000s, alongside Wang Hao and Ma Lin, he formed the legendary "Two Wangs and One Ma" trio that dominated both domestic and international men's singles competitions, marking a golden era for Chinese table tennis.

Now, the trio reunites in a new chapter. Wang Hao and Ma Lin currently serve as coaches of the men's and women's national teams, respectively. Together, they aim to uphold the legacy of their glory days.

"I'm excited, but also nervous — it's a heavy responsibility," Wang Liqin said. "Our Los Angeles prep has begun, and with the IOC adding a sixth gold medal event, we'll plan accordingly."

Wang Liqin, 46, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Championships singles winner. After retiring from the national team in 2013, he has served as CTTA vice-president since 2018.

National team head coach Li Sun praised Wang Liqin's appointment, citing not only his status as a world champion, but also his years of sports administration experience. "I hope the Two Wangs and One Ma will usher in a new era of success, and write a new chapter for Chinese table tennis," Li said.

The appointment was confirmed at the second plenary session of the CTTA's 10th member congress in Beijing. The meeting also elected Gao Yuanyi and Olympic champion Ma Long as vice-presidents.

During the meeting, Liu Guoyong, deputy director of the General Administration of Sport of China, commended the outgoing president for his contribution across eight Olympic cycles.

Liu Guoyong noted that Liu Guoliang's dedication and leadership helped secure China's dominant and influential position on the international table tennis stage.

Liu Guoliang, a career Grand Slam winner in singles, was elected CTTA president in 2018 and, under his leadership, China secured nine of 10 possible Olympic table tennis golds at the past two Games.

Liu Guoliang pledged to continue contributing to China's sporting landscape.

Newly appointed vice-president Ma Long, still competing at the highest level, embodies the CTTA's strategy of grooming athlete-leaders. His rare dual role bridges generations — a current champion now entrusted with shaping the future.

"China's six-decade dominance in table tennis stems largely from its deep, structured development system that keeps producing top young athletes," Ma Long said."With my years of experience, I hope to guide and support the younger players with practical advice."

That guidance may prove timely, as China's next generation faces growing international pressure.

Despite a clean sweep in Paris, recent events signal a rising global challenge — especially in the men's game. At the recent ITTF Men's World Cup in Macao, Brazil's Hugo Calderano broke China's winning streak in singles, defeating several Chinese players to claim the title.

Wang Liqin's first major test as CTTA president will come soon — at the World Team Table Tennis Championships, set for May 17-25 in Doha, Qatar. China has named its strongest possible squad, accounting for the absence of its Olympic champions Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng.

As Wang Liqin takes the helm, all eyes will be on how his charges fare in Doha — the first proving ground of a new era.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn