During the opening ceremonies of the Chengdu International ITTF Mixed Team World Cup and the Table Tennis Super League Finals, the calls for the resignation of the Table Tennis Association Chairman Liu Guoliang have intensified. This is particularly evident after Fan Zhendong, Chen Meng, and Ma Long withdrew from the world rankings, for which Liu Guoliang, as the head of WTT, cannot shirk responsibility. Will this affect his position?
Furthermore, the former director of the Pingyu Center, Yang Xinli, has been transferred to the National Sports General Administration Training Bureau, leaving an open position. There are speculations that Liu Guoliang is a hot candidate for the position, but the final outcome is still uncertain.
If Liu Guoliang leaves the Table Tennis Association, who would be the appropriate successor? I believe there are two candidates.
Firstly, Wang Liqin. After the resignation of the Table Tennis Association Chairman, it is logical for the Vice-Chairman to take over. Among the Vice-Chairmen, there are Liu Yi, Zhang Xiaopeng, Wang Liqin, Qin Zhijian, Gao Yaxiang, and Zhang Lei, with Wang Liqin having the highest profile and the greatest likelihood of taking over.
Secondly, Ma Lin. Liu Guoliang himself was promoted from the head coach of the national table tennis team to the Chairman of the Table Tennis Association, following this path, the head coach of the Chinese table tennis team, Li Sun, had hopes, but at 62 years old, he may not be suitable. Selecting from within the team, the women's table tennis coach Ma Lin is a good choice, as he has excelled both as a player and a coach, surpassing the men's team coach Wang Hao.
Ma Lin won the men's team and singles gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. Judging from his personal achievements and fame, he would be a good choice to take over as the head of the Table Tennis Association. What do you think?