Zhang Rui, Liu Dingshuo, Wang Chengxiao, and Cao Wei Announce Departures from National Team Within 4 Days - What's Behind It and What's the Impact?
In a span of just 4 days, Chinese national table tennis players Zhang Rui, Liu Dingshuo, Wang Chengxiao and Cao Wei all announced their resignations from the national team on social media. Their departures come right after the Paris Olympics and raise questions about the reasons behind them and implications for the national team.
On October 21, female national team player Zhang Rui and male players Liu Dingshuo and Wang Chengxiao posted on social media to announce they were leaving the national team. In her farewell message, Zhang Rui said: “2013-2024, this was my youth and also my precious wealth. Thank you to the Chinese table tennis team and all the teachers, coaches and teammates who helped me along the way. Finally, thank you to myself for what I gave.”
The same day, Liu Dingshuo posted a long message announcing his departure: “At this time of transition between the old and new, I submitted my resignation request to the team…Although I am leaving the team, my heart and soul will always be with everyone. Leaving the team doesn’t mean leaving the role.”
Following Zhang Rui and Liu Dingshuo, chopping specialist Wang Chengxiao also posted that he was leaving the national team. In his post he said that from 2021 until now, it was a very fulfilling and dream-like 4 years. Since he was 8 or 9, every birthday wish was to make the national team, and he fulfilled this most important dream.
On October 24, national player Cao Wei posted on his personal social media to announce his resignation, with teammate Wang Chuqin leaving an encouraging comment. Cao Wei wrote: “From 2014 until now, I’ve been with the Chinese national table tennis team for 10 years. I’m extremely grateful for the care and training the national team has given me in these 10 years. Thank you to the Dongcheng Sports School where my dreams began, thank you to the Beijing and Heilongjiang teams that have always trained and supported me. Although I’m leaving the team, my heart will always be with everyone.”
The close timing of the four players' resignations, right after the conclusion of the Paris Olympics and as a new Olympic cycle is beginning, raises questions about the reasons behind their decisions. Some speculate it is related to the team’s historically disappointing performance at the recent Asian Games, signaling an adjustment as the team looks to make changes for the new cycle. The spotlight will likely turn to younger players like Lin Shidong to see if they can step up.
Zhang’s resignation is particularly notable as she was a key training partner for Sun Yingsha, Chen Meng and Ito Mima in recent years at just 27 years old. The other three were all teammates and friends of captain Wang Chuqin, so their simultaneous departures deal a heavy blow to his inner circle on the team.
The national team is entering a period of rebuilding and rejuvenation after a turbulent year that saw the team’s dominance shaken. Bold steps and difficult decisions will be needed to pave the way for the next generation of stars to emerge. While the loss of these players is significant, it also opens the door for new talent to rise up and lead Chinese table tennis into a new era of continued success on the international stage. All eyes will be on the moves the team leadership makes next to navigate this key transition period.