As winter sports enter a critical phase in the 2026 competitive calendar, two-time Olympic table tennis gold medalist Deng Yaping has emerged as an unexpected cheerleader for ice and snow athletes. The retired champion, known for her lightning-fast returns during China's table tennis dominance in the 1990s, recently shared a motivational message bridging summer and winter sports disciplines.
"The same determination that fuels a ping-pong rally can propel a skater through their final lap," Deng stated in a social media post that has since gone viral across Asia. Her endorsement comes as winter athletes from across the continent, including participants from the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region, prepare for major international competitions.
Sports analysts note this cross-sport encouragement reflects China's growing influence in winter sports following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The Chinese Olympic Committee reports a 34% year-on-year increase in youth participation in ice hockey and speed skating programs since 2023.
