On December 31, 2024, the International Table Tennis Federation updated the world rankings, and the names of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng disappeared from the list. The Chinese Table Tennis Association released a statement saying that it understands and respects their decision, has handled the relevant procedures, and will fully support their subsequent development, ensuring their good condition in training and domestic competitions, regardless of whether they return to the international arena.
These three are the pillars of the national table tennis team! Ma Long is a Grand Slam winner with Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021, known for his stable playing style and comprehensive skills. Fan Zhendong bravely won the men's singles and team gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, demonstrating his strong abilities. Chen Meng also won the women's singles gold medal in 2021 and 2024, being one of the core players of the women's team. Their withdrawal from the world rankings is really unexpected.
In fact, Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng had previously posted about their withdrawal, mainly due to physical and mental exhaustion after the Paris Olympics, coupled with the new WTT withdrawal fine regulations, which put too much pressure on them. Although Ma Long did not make a public statement, he had previously indicated that he might no longer participate in international events.
This incident has caused quite a stir among fans. Some fans feel very sorry, as they will no longer be able to see their wonderful performances on the international stage, leaving a void in their hearts. Other fans do not understand why they would withdraw, wondering if there is a conflict with the Table Tennis Association or some other hidden reasons. There are also fans who support their decision, believing that athletes are human too, and after so many years of high-intensity competition, both their bodies and minds need rest. Withdrawing from the world rankings allows them to adjust and plan their future well.
Athletes really have it tough. In order to win championships and bring honor to the country, they train every day and compete everywhere, accumulating many physical injuries and psychological pressures. Just like Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng, after the Olympics, they are exhausted but still have to participate in various competitions. Who could stand it? Therefore, we should understand their desire to rest.
The event schedule and rules really need to change. The WTT's withdrawal fine regulations have made these top players unable to cope, indicating that the rules may not be reasonable and need to be more humane, taking into account the actual situation of the athletes. We cannot just focus on making the matches look good and push the athletes to the brink.
What will happen to them after they withdraw from the world rankings? In fact, they will continue to play in domestic competitions. For example, Ma Long and Fan Zhendong have confirmed their participation in the 2025 Greater Bay Area National Games, and we will still be able to see their brilliance on the court.
Their withdrawal is both an opportunity and a challenge for the young players of the national table tennis team. Young players now have more opportunities to showcase themselves on the international stage, allowing them to grow and progress faster. However, at the same time, they must carry the banner of the national table tennis team, take on more responsibilities, and win glory for the country in international competitions.
Regardless of what Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng do in the future, we should support them. We also hope that the national table tennis team will continue to improve, and the young players will quickly grow up, continue to dominate the international stage, and let the Five-star Red Flag fly high. At the same time, we hope that the International Table Tennis Federation and WTT will listen to the voices of the athletes and formulate more reasonable rules to better develop the sport of table tennis.