Fan Zhendong Confirms Withdrawal, Fans Change Their Nickname for Him, Signals That Liu Guoliang Should Savor
Fan Zhendong has confirmed his withdrawal, prompting fans to change their nickname for him, a signal that Liu Guoliang should carefully consider. Netizens have keenly pointed out that rankings no longer hold significance for Fan Zhendong, as the International Table Tennis Federation's lack of empathy and disregard for the athletes' actual circumstances led to a rigid decision. If athletes were to prioritize rankings over their health by forcing themselves to compete, it could result in severe physical damage, which would be detrimental to both the table tennis world and the athletes themselves.
The title of Top Ten Athletes was awarded to Ma Long, which may have been the final straw for Fan Zhendong, known affectionately as "Little Fatty." While Ma Long is undoubtedly a legendary figure in the sport, this year was meant to be Fan Zhendong's time to shine. Do you recall the interview with silver medalist Moregad after the Paris Olympics, where he expressed his wish for Fan Zhendong to be happier?
In essence, table tennis lacks widespread popularity and financial incentives. Observing tennis, where substantial earnings encourage participation, substitutes are always ready to step in if an athlete cannot compete. The fines might not be the primary issue; rather, the psychological toll of being overlooked seems more significant. Fan Zhendong might be using this as a form of protest. The complexities of table tennis have deepened, making us appreciate Ma Long's prowess even more. Fan Zhendong no longer needs rankings to validate himself, having already secured various championships. However, "Little Fatty" is not one to let such matters affect him. He is advocating for other table tennis athletes, opposing unreasonable rules that bind them, even at the cost of potentially sacrificing his own future Olympic journey.
Every athlete has the freedom to choose, and their existence is reasonable. It's wise to know when to stop and make sensible decisions. After all, no one can play table tennis forever. We wish them all the best in their endeavors. This is actually a downside of commercialized competitions. Naturally, fans hope to see more athletes when they purchase tickets, so full attendance is ideal for the average fan. Since these are commercial matches, one must accept the commercial rules set by the organizers. Of course, withdrawal is a personal choice, and fans also have the option not to buy tickets. Fan Zhendong has already made preparations for what comes next, transferring to Shanghai to participate in club and National Games matches, with Shanghai offering him a position, ensuring a worry-free retirement.
Fan Zhendong's decision stems from his disagreement with the new competition format. Let's not judge him with petty intentions; his perspective is broader than that. Moreover, if only one member of the national team could be named among the Top Ten, Ma Long would undoubtedly be deserving. Tennis has done well in professionalization, with high prize money and professional tournaments taking precedence over the Olympics, whereas table tennis still has a long way to go.
The national team must have someone responsible for the athletes' mental health. Why does Fan Zhendong oppose the fan circle's exclusion from playing, and how does someone manage to trend on social media every day with a sour face? WTT's current commercial approach shows no regard for the athletes, and Fan Zhendong might just be the spark that sets off a chain reaction, with Europe possibly following suit in refusing to participate.
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