Wang Liqin appointed as new table tennis chief

China's table tennis icon Liu Guoliang has stepped down as president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), with former Olympic and world champion Wang Liqin, the association's current vice president, elected as his successor on Wednesday.

The leadership transition was confirmed during the second meeting of the 10th CTTA member congress held in Beijing. Alongside Wang's appointment, Ma Long and Gao Yuanyi were elected as vice presidents.

Liu Guoyong, deputy director of the General Administration of Sport of China, attended the meeting and commended Liu Guoliang's contributions to the sport. A veteran of eight Olympic Games as both a player and coach, Liu was recognized for his dedication and for elevating China's influence in global table tennis.

"In order to ensure continuity through the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle, Liu Guoliang proposed stepping down to support a smooth leadership transition and further innovation in the sport," said Liu Guoyong. "We look forward to the CTTA continuing to carry the legacy of Chinese table tennis and advancing the country's sporting strength."

Liu Guoliang, who achieved the rare singles Grand Slam of Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup titles, was appointed head coach of China's national team in 2013. Under his leadership, the team secured four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He became CTTA president in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023. During his presidency, China captured nine of the 10 table tennis gold medals across the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games.

Liu said he will remain committed to supporting the development of Chinese table tennis and contributing to the national sports effort.

Newly-appointed president Wang, 46, pledged to uphold the team's mission and intensify preparations for the Los Angeles Games. "I will continue the spirit of fighting for the nation and work toward new achievements in Chinese table tennis," he said.

A two-time Olympic champion and three-time World Championships singles winner, Wang retired from the national team in 2013 and has served as CTTA vice president since 2018.