'Fan culture' criticized

As one of China's most celebrated sports, table tennis has propelled its star players into the spotlight, amassing devoted fans, but also exposing them to the darker side of "fan culture".

After the women's singles final at the Paris Olympics between Chen and Sun, hundreds of social media accounts were penalized on platforms like Weibo and Douyin for aggressive comments and personal attacks on the athletes.

Men's singles champion Fan has been particularly affected, often voicing frustration over disruptive fan behavior. He has repeatedly urged supporters to show rational backing and called out inappropriate behavior, especially in private spaces like hotels, which he says have caused significant distress.

While competing in the first stage of the China Table Tennis Super League in Changsha, Hunan province, in December, Fan took to Weibo again, writing: "Thank you for your support, but there are better ways and occasions for it. Stay true to yourself and respect others. I sincerely ask for understanding and respect from fans."

Later that month, Fan made waves by announcing his "retirement from all ITTF-sanctioned events", which includes events sanctioned by WTT.

"Apart from committing to the next National Games, I have no specific plans for my future career yet," he wrote on Weibo. "I'm still here, not retiring, and will continue striving in different arenas."

On the same day, Chen made a similar announcement in a separate statement on Weibo.

As a result, China's table tennis team faces a crucial crossroads and will need to fast-track its generational transition.

Liu Guoliang, president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, revealed plans to provide more opportunities for young players starting with the new cycle in 2025.

"We will focus on assembling a refreshed team, prioritizing the systematic development of both coaches and players. This will be organized strategically, taking into account factors such as age, playing style and the overall team structure," Liu said.

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