Recently, the table tennis circle has been very lively, with everyone's attention focused on Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng. Fan Zhendong is a super grand slam winner with superb strength; Chen Meng has won two consecutive singles gold medals, known as the elite among female players. According to common sense, they should have smooth sailing in the table tennis world, but the actual situation is quite surprising.
First, there were frequent withdrawals from competitions, followed by withdrawal from the world rankings, breaking the usual calmness of the national table tennis team. At the same time, new WTT regulations have been introduced, which impose many restrictions on athletes, such as fines for withdrawing from competitions and fines for improper event registration. Athletes seem to be wearing "tightening rings," with their actions constrained in many ways, causing strong reactions.
Looking at Japan, Zhang Ben Zhihe and Zhang Ben Meihui are thriving in Japan, with a broad stage, abundant resources, and high regard. It was a wise and far-sighted decision when Zhang Benyu resolutely took his family to Japan to develop their table tennis career.
Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng are the mainstays of the national table tennis team. Fan Zhendong has won the super grand slam after overcoming many obstacles, an achievement that many athletes dream of, which must have required a lot of effort. Chen Meng is not simple either, holding two singles gold medals. However, they are now frequently withdrawing from competitions and even from the world rankings, causing fans to be anxious.
Some speculate that it is due to injury factors, as high-intensity training and competition can easily make the body unable to bear the burden; others believe it is related to the new WTT regulations. After the introduction of the new regulations, fines are imposed for withdrawing from competitions, and the amount of fines for top-ranked players is quite high. If they withdraw due to injury, they must go through a complicated medical certification process, otherwise, they will still be fined. Even non-WTT events need to be reported, and failure to do so will result in a fine. Athletes seem to be restrained, and to avoid "triggering landmines," withdrawal may be an inevitable choice.
The treatment of the Zhang siblings in Japan is completely different. Zhang Ben Zhihe, at a young age, has performed outstandingly in international competitions, with various major competition resources tilted towards him. The Japanese Table Tennis Association fully cultivates him, providing excellent coaches and training venues, hoping that he can bring glory to Japan. Zhang Ben Meihui, as a rising star, is also highly regarded, with a relaxed and affluent growth environment.
When Zhang Benyu moved his family to Japan, many people did not understand, thinking it was a pity to give up such a superior domestic table tennis environment. But seeing the development of the Zhang siblings today, one cannot help but admire his foresight. He early saw that the domestic competition is fierce, and the rules are increasingly restrictive, while the Japanese table tennis market has great potential and can provide more opportunities for children.
Netizens are also discussing this matter. Some say, "If Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng had such a development space, they might create more brilliance." Others say, "Domestic needs to reflect well, don't force all the good seedlings away." Now, this incident has caused a sensation in the table tennis world, with continuous controversy.
On the one hand, many fans are indignant for Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng, feeling that these regulations of the International Table Tennis Federation put too much pressure on the athletes and impose too many restrictions, causing them to almost lose their basic right to participate in competitions, which is unfavorable for the growth and retention of talent. If this continues, there may be more top athletes like Fan and Chen who want to leave, and the glory of the national table tennis team may be difficult to continue.
On the other hand, some people understand the original intention of the International Table Tennis Federation in introducing these regulations. After all, organizing competitions is not easy, and certain norms are needed to maintain order and ensure the fairness and integrity of the competitions. However, when implementing them, should we listen more to the voices of the athletes, flexibly adjust, and not let "good intentions" do "bad things"?
Looking at the success of the Zhang siblings in Japan, some people praise Zhang Benyu's boldness and foresight, opening up new horizons for his children; but others worry that cultural differences, public opinion pressure, and other issues will eventually appear when developing abroad, and the future path may not be smooth.