The Paris Olympics have concluded, marking the beginning of a new Olympic cycle. The Chinese table tennis team has also experienced significant changes, with Olympic champions Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng announcing their withdrawal from the world rankings. Adding to this, veteran Ma Long is nearing retirement, necessitating major adjustments within the Chinese team. Besides the Chinese team, our opponents, the South Korean table tennis team, are also undergoing changes. Following the announcement of veteran Lee Sangsu's departure from the national team, Tian Zhiyi will also be leaving.
News of Tian Zhiyi's exit from the national team comes from South Korean media. Reports indicate that Tian has declined to renew her contract with Mirae Asset Securities Club and has also given up the opportunity to join the South Korean national table tennis team. South Korean media has analyzed the reasons behind Tian's decision to leave the national team, attributing it primarily to injuries and age. It is reported that Tian suffered a severe injury two years ago and has been playing through pain for the past two years. Despite this, Tian's performance has been commendable. Although she is no longer the top player on the South Korean women's team, she remains the second mainstay. Partnering with Shin Yubin in women's doubles, they have competed for medals in numerous major competitions, once ranking first in the world. At the Paris Olympics, Tian helped the South Korean women's team win a bronze medal. Most recently, at the Chengdu Mixed Team World Cup, Tian contributed to the team's silver medal victory.
Tian's decision to leave the national team is not surprising. A year ago, she reserved a bed at a maternity center in Hong Kong, China, indicating her intention to become a mother! Currently, Tian has returned home to Beijing with her husband. During the Winter Solstice, Tian shared a video on social media, inadvertently revealing her luxurious mansion in Beijing!
From the video Tian posted, we can see that her love nest is decorated very warmly, and the neighborhood environment is excellent, clearly indicating a high-end residential area. Although the area does not appear to be large, the furnishings and facilities are complete. In Beijing, where land is as precious as gold, it is truly wonderful to have one's own space! The couple personally made dumplings together, with the man and woman working side by side without tiring. Of course, most of the time it was Tian's husband Xu Ke doing the work. This also shows how much Xu cares for Tian.
It is worth mentioning that Xu Ke was also a table tennis player, having played for the Bayi Team. However, due to injuries, he retired early! Later, Xu became a coach. When Tian was with the South Korean team, Xu went to South Korea to assist her. Perhaps it was this extraordinary interaction that ultimately brought the two together!
Predictably, Tian Zhiyi will soon become a mother. We wish Tian a happy and fulfilling future! Go for it!