The recent withdrawal of China’s Olympic table tennis champions, Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng, from the world rankings has ignited significant discussion within the global table tennis community.
On Saturday, World Table Tennis (WTT) released a statement responding to the situation. The organization expressed deep respect for Fan and Chen, highlighting their remarkable contributions to the sport and their ability to inspire fans and athletes worldwide. WTT acknowledged the concerns raised regarding specific regulations in the WTT handbook.
In its statement, WTT clarified that the contested rules are longstanding and not newly implemented. The organization detailed the process of automatic qualification for events and emphasized the reasons behind imposing fines for non-participation. Additionally, WTT provided explanations for several updates that will appear in the 2025 edition of the handbook.
WTT reiterated its appreciation for the athletes, stating, “We recognize the immense contributions of Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng to table tennis. We wish them the best of luck and will always welcome them, and all players, to return to WTT events should they choose to do so in the future.”
Fan Zhendong announced his withdrawal on Friday, citing his inability to comply with WTT’s regulation imposing fines on players who do not participate in certain events. Chen Meng echoed similar sentiments, explaining that the new regulation presented a difficult decision for her. She noted ongoing physical challenges that prevent her from competing in every high-intensity tournament.
The withdrawal of these top-tier athletes has sparked conversations about player welfare, regulatory policies, and the balance between athlete health and organizational requirements. Fans and experts alike are watching closely as the situation develops, reflecting on its implications for the future of international table tennis competitions.
Reference(s):
WTT responds to withdrawal of China's Fan and Chen from world rankings
cgtn.com
