Olympic Champion Charts New Course for Chinese Table Tennis
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Wang Liqin, 46, has been elected president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), pledging to build on China's historic success as the sport evolves for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The decorated athlete-turned-administrator brings three decades of experience to this critical leadership role.
From Paddle to Policy: A Storied Career
Recruited to China's national team in 1993, Wang dominated international competition for 20 years. His 16 world championship titles include Olympic victories in Sydney 2000 (men's doubles) and Beijing 2008 (team event), coupled with multiple World Championship singles and doubles triumphs. Since retiring in 2013, Wang transitioned to administration, serving as CTTA vice president since 2018.
Olympic Reshuffle Sparks Strategic Shift
Wang's leadership test comes with table tennis expanding to six gold medal events at LA 2028, including a new mixed team competition. "Our preparation strategy must evolve with these changes," Wang stated after his appointment. "The expanded format requires fresh approaches to training and team development while maintaining our competitive edge."
Team China Voices Confidence
Current stars echoed support for the leadership transition. Sun Yingsha, Tokyo 2020 mixed doubles champion, noted: "The mixed team event presents exciting possibilities. Under President Wang's guidance, we'll work to turn challenges into victories." Veteran Ma Long emphasized youth development: "My focus now is helping nurture the next generation of champions."
With Wang at the helm, China's table tennis community prepares to defend its position as the sport's global powerhouse while adapting to Olympic innovations – a balancing act requiring strategic vision and deep institutional knowledge.
