Translation of the content:
The WTT international competitions led by Liu Guoliang have been extremely successful over the past two years, with the influence of the table tennis team reaching unprecedented heights. Even the "Lao Wa Cup," which had not been held for several consecutive years, was successfully completed in mid-December this year, fulfilling Waldner's wish, which should also be considered as fulfilling Liu Guoliang's wish, as it was a joint effort between the two. This also demonstrates the influence of table tennis, with the Norwegian Table Tennis Association taking the initiative to host the event.
However, during Liu Guoliang's efforts to promote WTT-related events, some issues have arisen, particularly regarding withdrawals from competitions. This is not a new phenomenon; it began last year when an African player used an excuse to publicly address the issue, although the excuse mentioned something else, such as delayed payment.
The situation escalated after the Olympics when the withdrawals of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng marked just the beginning. After the Asian Championships, withdrawals became widespread, with various excuses given.
Everyone who participated in the Olympics felt the fatigue, so there are plenty of reasons to withdraw upon returning:
- Injuries: Our Chinese athletes train very hard and compete fiercely, even playing through injuries after receiving injections. This dedication is truly touching, and many fans are moved to tears. However, the aftermath is that everyone has experienced some form of "recurrent illness," with different triggers.
So when I say "always sick," you can't really argue. If you get checked, the likelihood is that the illness is present. Can you deny it?
Therefore, this is an undeniable fact. Honestly, showing up to play without being sick is already giving you a lot of face!
But perhaps some people don't want to or have other reasons, especially when there is a lot of ideological work or unresolved issues without effective measures to resolve them.
Problems gradually emerge, so the cause is closely linked to the result. To change anything, one must unravel the tangled threads that have accumulated over time. Isn't it said that counselors have been assigned?
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The post-Olympic fatigue period: This is not just an individual problem but a phenomenon shared by many. Do we have more players on the national team? Perhaps our age of participation is older, making us more prone to fatigue?
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After the Olympics, lacking systematic training has led to a decline in performance. Therefore, players attempt to use withdrawals to extend their recovery time and adjust their playing state.
This is understandable, but WTT chases too closely for the benefit of the International Table Tennis Federation. Players worldwide need time to rest after major competitions and excitement, but the ITTF does not provide enough buffer space.
- The lingering warmth after the Olympics: Everyone wants to take a break for a while, but the ITTF doesn't allow it. So, it's normal to engage in a bit of indirect competition.
Didn't you see Quan Hongchan from the diving team playing hide-and-seek with her coach every day, not wanting to jump into the swimming pool?
It's the same principle; who wouldn't want to have more fun?
But the ITTF wants to make money, and when making money, do they ever feel like they've made enough!?
So this time, the measure is direct: fines. We are indeed adept at this and believe it to be the most effective, so the policy has been implemented!
The struggle has begun, and it's only the beginning!