Table tennis star Wang Chuqin had been appointed captain of the Chinese men’s team, succeeding Ma Long after the ten-year veteran in the position.
The appointment was announced at a press conference after the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships by head coach Wang Hao, who said Wang “has shown the national team’s spirit and responsibility during the preparation and competition at the World Championships in London”.
Liang Jingkun was appointed vice-captain at the same time, and the appointment brought many compliments on social media, including from companies such as Thai cosmetics brand Mistine, which has an endorsement deal with the new captain.
“I hope Wang Chuqin can take on the responsibility and mission of the captain, and carry the baton from captain Ma Long,” Wang Hao said. “This is not only an honor, but also a responsibility and a kind of commitment.”
Wang has emerged as the leader of the men’s team after Ma retired and Fan Zhendong withdrew from the world rankings following the Paris Olympics.
The 26-year-old won the singles title at the 2025 World Championships and the singles title at the 2026 World Cup, cementing his status as the world’s best player.
