Table tennis legend Ma Long has been making headlines despite relocating from the field to the stands in Paris. The reigning champion has proven that he is far from a star whose power is fading. Following the unexpected exit of the world’s No 1 Wang Chuqin in the round of 32 of the men’s singles, Chinese social media has been buzzing with calls for Ma to return to the table and defend the nation’s honor.
Despite being named as the flag-bearer of China’s delegation at the opening ceremony in Paris, Ma was excluded from the singles roster given Wang and Fan were ranked top two. However, with China losing its chance to sweep the gold and silver medals in men’s singles, concerns have been raised about the competitiveness of the younger generation of the country’s team.
Representing China in the men’s singles in Paris were 24-year-old Wang and 27-year-old Fan. Fan managed to secure a spot in the gold medal match after defeating top players in grueling matches. Fans have even joked about Ma Long having to compete in Los Angeles in 2028 at the age of 39 to face much younger athletes from other countries.
The topic of „Ma Long men’s singles quota“ has gained significant traction on social media platforms like Weibo, with millions of views and discussions. Even American table tennis star Lily Zhang, known as the „queen of American table tennis,“ is a fan of Ma Long. She expressed her admiration for the legendary player and mentioned that it would be a dream to partner with him for mixed doubles.
During a press interview in Paris, Zhang praised Ma Long as the „Greatest of All Time“ in the sport. She highlighted his longevity and legendary status, making it clear that partnering with him would be a dream come true. Ma Long, who will compete alongside Wang and Fan in the team event, defended his Olympic title in Tokyo in 2021, becoming the first player in the sport to claim back-to-back Olympic gold medals in men’s singles.
As fans eagerly await Ma Long’s next move and potential return to the singles competition, the table tennis world continues to be captivated by the enduring legacy of this living legend. Whether he decides to make a comeback or focus on team events, Ma Long’s impact on the sport and his ability to inspire fans and fellow players alike is undeniable.