Liu Guoliang, the legendary figure behind China's table tennis dominance, has resigned as president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA). Three-time Olympic medalist Wang Liqin, his longtime deputy, stepped into the role on Wednesday, signaling a fresh chapter for the sport.
From Champion to Leader 🏅
Liu, nicknamed 'The Strategist,' first took the CTTA helm in 2018 after a storied career: he's one of only nine players ever to achieve a singles Grand Slam (Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup gold). As coach and later president, he guided teams to historic wins, including a near-perfect 9/10 Olympic golds at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. His exit leaves big shoes to fill 👟.
Wang Liqin Takes the Baton 🏓
The new CTTA chief, 46-year-old Wang, is no stranger to pressure. A two-time Olympic doubles gold medalist and three-time world singles champ, he’s been Liu’s right-hand since 2018. Fans are buzzing: Will Wang’s on-court grit translate to dynamic leadership? 🔥
What’s Next for China’s Ping-Pong Powerhouse? 🇨🇳
With LA 2028 on the horizon, all eyes are on how Wang will maintain China's golden era. One thing’s clear: The paddle-passing moment has table tennis enthusiasts worldwide glued to their feeds 🎥.
