On January 3rd, Zhang Yang, the head coach of Shanghai Real Estate Group in the Table Tennis Super League, made headlines after an interview with Oriental Sports Daily. In the interview, he discussed how Fan Zhendong was supported during the Paris Olympics, which moved fans across the internet.
Zhang Yang began by saying that since they brought in Fan Zhendong, their overall strength has been significantly enhanced. Fan Zhendong achieved a grand slam at the Paris Olympics, and during this close encounter in the Table Tennis Super League, they also witnessed his strength in daily training. This year, Fan Zhendong has saved the team multiple times in key matches, which everyone can see clearly.
Next, Zhang Yang revealed who was actually supporting Fan Zhendong, stating, "From the perspective of the Paris Olympics, it was under the leadership of Director Wang (Wang Liqin) that we all went to the scene to watch and support Fan Zhendong's matches, mainly doing some support work."
This statement from Zhang Yang also moved fans across the internet, with many expressing gratitude for Wang Liqin and the team spirit of the Shanghai team. Netizens left messages thanking Wang Liqin and expressing confusion, "Fan Zhendong is a member of the national table tennis team, why does he need the provincial team to provide logistics support? What does this indicate?"
"Wang Liqin really understands Fan Zhendong. Thank you for taking care of him all these years; your affection for Xiao Pang hasn't changed at all! The image of him rushing to shake hands after winning the championship is still vivid in my mind. Xiao Pang made the right choice joining the Shanghai team; the atmosphere here is really great! They cherish talent!"
"The truth is that many people now know that Xiao Pang faced many unspoken difficulties during the Olympic cycle. Fortunately, he managed to win the championship despite the hardships, and only he knows how tough the journey has been."
"Coach Zhang Yang mentioned twice that as the Shanghai team, going to observe and support Fan Zhendong at the Olympics was not an easy task. Does this imply that someone did not provide effective support for Fan Zhendong?"
"Fan Zhendong is part of the Shanghai team, and Director Wang is his biggest supporter. When our athletes go to compete, it's good for the leaders to show up and support them, just in case any unexpected events occur."
"Wang Liqin is a low-key and reliable person, allowing Fan Zhendong to focus more on playing in Shanghai. If there's one thing the Shanghai team might lack, it's marketing, but do people who speak with their abilities really need marketing?"
Touched, the Shanghai team could have simply bought tickets to come and cheer, but Wang Liqin went further, mobilizing the entire provincial team to overcome difficulties to provide support. This happened when Fan Zhendong encountered difficulties during the Olympics, and Wang Liqin really went all out to help, which is very inspiring and positive energy.
Not only during the Paris Olympics, but when Fan Zhendong faced difficulties during a competition in Singapore, the Shanghai team also sent people to support him at their own expense. During the Paris period, there were several names that must be mentioned among those who provided support; heroes should not be forgotten by history.
At that time, Zhao Zihao took the lead in going to Paris at his own expense, followed by Wang Liqin leading the team to provide support. Wang Liqin focused on coordinating entry into the venue, and then everyone performed their duties. Finally, these people witnessed Fan Zhendong's victory as spectators.
I will end this article with the last picture I described because I was already in tears while writing it. The picture is of Wang Liqin squatting there, and the moment Xiao Pang won the championship, he ran over immediately. Then Wang Liqin reached out from the railing and patted Xiao Pang's face, showing the mutual respect between heroes.