Will Ma Long and Ding Ning retain their Olympic Gold medals or will there be new medal winners?
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With the Tokyo Olympics just months away, players are on full throttle to make history at the Games. In Olympics, Table Tennis has been predominantly dominated by the Chinese players and last Summer Games in Rio was no different. Ma Long bagged the Gold in the men’s single’s category, while Ding Ning did not have much trouble in clinching the women’s singles Gold. Five years later, they are still at the top of their game, showing no signs of slowing down. Let us find out below to see if they can retain their Gold medals or will there be new champions:
Arguably the greatest ever paddler, Ma Long has been a symbol of consistency for several years now. There is not a title which he hasn’t won. Among the many achievements, the record five straight ITTF World Tour tournaments in a row is a stand out feat by the Chinese star.
He notably became the fifth player to complete a career Grand Slam by winning the Olympics, World Championships and World Cup. Playing forehand-oriented style, there is no limit to Ma Long’s ability. At 32 years, Tokyo Olympics might be his best bet in clinching another Gold medal.
The current World No.1, Zhendong, has already won the Table Tennis World Cup thrice in the singles category – 2016, 2018 and 2019. He has also won the Asian Table Tennis Championships twice. It is remarkable to think at just 24 years, he has already won multipe global accolades.
An attacking minded player, Zhendong is fearless in his approach. With quick movements, his forehand loops are a nightmare for his opponents to defend. In the form of his life, he knows that Tokyo Games is the best opportunity to assert his world dominance with a Gold medal.
One of the best players of her generation, Ding Ning has been at her lethal best for many years. She has astonishingly won the World Table Tennis Championships three times. Her first victory in the women’s singles came as early as 2011, while the next two titles came in 2015 and 2017.
Ning has been mighty impressive in the previous two Olympics. After settling for Silver in the 2012 London Olympics, she went a step further in securing the singles Gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Besides she also won the Gold in the team event at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. She will be well prepared to defend her Gold medal at the Tokyo Games.
The young table tennis sensation has all the ingredients to rule the sport for many years. At 20 years, she already has a plethora of titles, including an Olympic medal. The Japanese star could very well become the greatest threat to Chinese table tennis domination in the coming years.
Mimawas just 15 years old, when she clinched a Bronze in the women’s team event at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Her most recent highlight was the 4–0 semifinals win against reigning Olympic champion Ding Ning in the 2020 Qatar Open. To put icing on the cake she won the third game 11–0. If anyone can stop Chinese domination in the Olympics, then it has to be Mima Ito.
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