China's national table tennis team achieved remarkable success at the Paris Olympics, securing all five gold medals through the collective efforts of the team. Notably, Fan Zhendong overcame immense pressure to defeat Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto and advance to the final, ultimately clinching the men's singles gold medal for China.
After his victory, Fan Zhendong became an idol to many fans who admired him and hoped he would maintain his excellent form to represent the Chinese Table Tennis Association at the Los Angeles Olympics. However, Fan Zhendong recently withdrew from the world rankings, causing disappointment among his supporters. Adding to this, he has now been excluded from recent commendations.
Recently, in recognition of the outstanding achievements of Chinese athletes at the 33rd Summer Olympics and the 17th Summer Paralympic Games, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions decided to award the May 1st National Labor Medal to 29 athletes who won gold medals, including Huang Yuting, Sheng Lihao, Li Yuehong, Dengyawen, Liu Huanhua, Li Qian, Pan Zhanle, Feng Yu, Wang Liuyi, Wang Qianyi, Guo Qiqi, Hao Ting, Chen Yiwen, Wang Chuqin, Zheng Qinwen, Guo Jincheng, Dai Yunqiang, Hu Yang, Li Yingli, Lin Nali, Yin Menglu, Yan Zhiqiang, Lan Zhijian, Liu Li, Xu Haijiao, Pan Jiamin, Gu Xiaodan, Zhong Saichun, and Li Yujie.
Upon examining the list of 29 athletes honored, it is evident that Fan Zhendong is not included, while Wang Chuqin, currently ranked first in the world, has made a strong entry into the commendation lineup. This exclusion of Fan Zhendong and the inclusion of Wang Chuqin have left fans puzzled, as both are considered prodigies in Chinese table tennis and have made significant contributions to the team. While Fan Zhendong is a super Grand Slam champion, Wang Chuqin has yet to win an Olympic men's singles gold medal.
Despite this, it is likely that neither Fan Zhendong nor Wang Chuqin is overly concerned with such distinctions, as they focus on upcoming competitions. Fans eagerly anticipate their continued success on the court and hope they will create more history with solid performances.
