IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🏓 Liu Guoliang steps down as president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association to focus on family and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
  • 👤 Wang Liqin, a two-time Olympic champion, takes over as the new president, bringing fresh strategies for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • 🌟 Ma Long joins the leadership team as vice-president, transitioning from a successful playing career to a key administrative role.
  • 🔜 The new leadership aims to maintain China’s dominance in table tennis as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.

The world of table tennis is witnessing a significant transition as Liu Guoliang steps down from his role as the president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA). This move comes at a time when the sport is gearing up for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Liu, who has been an influential figure in Chinese table tennis, is known for his strategic acumen and leadership. His departure marks the beginning of a new era with Wang Liqin taking over the reins. As the sport prepares for the future, the changes in leadership promise to bring a fresh perspective and new challenges for the Chinese table tennis teams.

Liu Guoliang: A Legacy of Excellence

Liu Guoliang’s tenure as the president of the CTTA has been marked by outstanding achievements and milestones. His journey began as a head coach for China’s men’s national team at the age of 27, leading them to numerous victories. Under his leadership, China has consistently dominated the global table tennis scene, sweeping gold at major international competitions. He became the chief coach of China’s table tennis teams in 2013 and took over as the president of the CTTA in 2018. Liu’s strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in maintaining China’s supremacy in the sport. His decision to step down is driven by a desire for a smooth transition and to allow the new leadership ample time to prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games.

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Wang Liqin: Steering the Future

Wang Liqin, a two-time Olympic champion, is no stranger to success in table tennis. After his retirement in 2014, he transitioned into a sports official role, quickly climbing the ranks within the CTTA. His appointment as the new president marks a significant shift in the association’s leadership. Wang’s experience as a player and his administrative acumen make him well-suited to guide the team towards the Los Angeles Olympics. His leadership is expected to bring fresh strategies and innovations. The future of Chinese table tennis under Wang’s guidance is anticipated to be both challenging and promising, as he builds on Liu’s legacy and charts a new course for the sport.

Liu Guoliang has resigned from his role as president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association. Photo: Xinhua

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Ma Long: From Champion to Leader

Joining Wang Liqin in the leadership of the CTTA is Ma Long, who has been elected as a vice-president. Ma Long’s illustrious career includes six Olympic gold medals, making him one of the most successful players in the history of the sport. His experience and insights as a player will be invaluable in his new role. Ma’s transition from a player to an administrative leader represents a new chapter in his career, where he will focus on nurturing new talent and enhancing the training programs. His presence in the leadership team is expected to inspire the upcoming generation of players, ensuring that Chinese table tennis remains a dominant force on the world stage.

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Preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

The changes in the CTTA leadership come at a crucial time as the teams prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With less than nine months since China swept the table tennis gold medals in Paris, the focus now shifts to maintaining that momentum. The new leadership under Wang Liqin and Ma Long is poised to implement innovative training techniques and strategies to ensure success. Their combined experience as former champions will be crucial in this endeavor. The 2028 Olympics present an opportunity for the Chinese teams to reaffirm their dominance, and the new leadership is committed to making the most of this opportunity.

Sun Yingsha competing against Kuai Man in the women's World Cup final held in Macau on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua

The transition in the Chinese Table Tennis Association marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s history. As Liu Guoliang steps aside, Wang Liqin and Ma Long are set to lead the teams into a new era of competition. Their leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of table tennis, both in China and internationally. As they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, one cannot help but wonder: How will this new leadership influence the future of table tennis on the global stage?

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Rosemary Potter is a Chicago-based journalist for kore.am, covering global issues through the lens of science, policy, entertainment, and cross-cultural dynamics. A graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she blends investigative depth with a multicultural perspective. Her reporting amplifies voices shaping the future of media, identity, and resilience. Contact: [email protected]

9 Comments
  1. Wow, big changes for Chinese table tennis! Does anyone know why Liu Guoliang decided to step down now? 🤔

  2. Wang Liqin has always been my favorite player. Hope he brings that same energy to his new role!

  3. Danielletornado on

    Is Ma Long ready for a leadership role? I mean, he’s a great player but leading an organization is different.

  4. laura_cosmos on

    This feels like the end of an era. Best of luck to Liu Guoliang in his family endeavors!

  5. Fatima_crescent on

    Can Wang Liqin really fill Liu Guoliang’s shoes? Those are some big shoes to fill!

  6. Fabian_timeless6 on

    Great to see Ma Long moving into a leadership position. His experience will be invaluable! 🌟

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