In a thrilling final match, Chinese table tennis player Fan Zhendong defeated surprise finalist Truls Moregard to win the coveted Olympic gold medal in the men's singles category. Moregard, who had already pulled off an upset against top seed Wang Chuqin, started strong but could not keep up with Fan's powerful shots. This victory extends China's dominance in the sport and ends a 29-year wait for a non-Asian player to win the gold.
Chinese Table Tennis Triumphs Again: Fan Zhendong Wins Olympic Gold
Background
Table tennis, a sport characterized by rapid exchanges and precise shots, has always been a stronghold for China at the Olympic Games. In the history of the sport, China has won a staggering 32 gold medals, more than any other nation. This dominance stems from their rigorous training regimen, advanced coaching systems, and a culture that places great emphasis on table tennis.
2020 Tokyo Olympics: Fan Zhendong's Victory
At the recently concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Chinese table tennis player Fan Zhendong lived up to expectations by securing the gold medal in the men's singles category. In a thrilling final against Sweden's Truls Moregard, Fan displayed his prowess with powerful shots and exceptional ball control. Moregard, a surprise finalist, had previously upset top-seeded Wang Chuqin, but was unable to maintain his momentum against Fan.
This victory marked China's continuation of its dominance in table tennis, extending their streak of gold medals to 13 consecutive Games. For Fan Zhendong, it was a culmination of years of hard work and a testament to his exceptional talent.
Top 5 FAQs about Table Tennis
1. What are the rules of table tennis?
Table tennis is played on a 2.74m x 1.525m rectangular table, with a net dividing the surface in half. Players hit a 2.8cm diameter celluloid ball back and forth over the net using a flat or textured rubber-covered paddle. The game is played in rallies, with players winning points by forcing their opponents to miss the table, hit the net, or fail to return the ball.
2. Who is the greatest table tennis player of all time?
This question is often debated, but many experts consider Ma Long of China to be the greatest ever. Ma Long has won multiple Olympic gold medals, world championships, and Pro Tour titles. He is renowned for his exceptional consistency, defense, and his ability to change the pace and spin of the ball.
3. Why is China so dominant in table tennis?
China's dominance in table tennis is attributed to several factors, including their rigorous training regimen, advanced coaching systems, and a culture that values the sport. Chinese players start training at a young age and are subjected to a demanding schedule that focuses on developing technical and tactical skills.
4. What are the key shots in table tennis?
Some of the most common and important shots in table tennis include:
5. How can I improve my table tennis skills?
To improve your table tennis skills, consider the following tips:
Dinesh Karthik, the first Indian to feature in the South African T20 league, expressed his excitement for playing in the competition, calling it the 'best' after the Indian Premier League. He also shared that he had always wanted to play for the Paarl Royals and was happy to accept the offer when it came. Karthik was also impressed with the talented pool of players in the league and is looking forward to playing with his new teammates.
In a highly anticipated match between arch-rivals Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC, the former emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. The game was full of action as East Bengal was reduced to 10 men in the 64th minute, giving Mohun Bagan the advantage. Jamie Maclaren's early goal secured the win for the Mariners in their Indian Super League 2024-25 game in Guwahati.
Chelsea will be hoping to overcome their recent slump as they take on fourth-tier side Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are expected to field a squad comprised of fringe players, with Reece James and Romeo Lavia likely to return from injury layoffs. Despite the significant gap in their league rankings, Morecambe will be looking to prove their worth and cause an upset in this highly anticipated match. To catch the action live, check out our guide on the best streaming services and how to bypass geo-restrictions with the use of a VPN.
Sri Lanka's national cricket team bounced back from two heavy losses to defeat the New Zealand national cricket team in the third ODI in Auckland. They were led by stellar performances from Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Maheesh Theekshana, who each claimed three wickets. Pathum Nissanka, who retired hurt but returned to score 66 off 42 balls, was the top-scorer for Sri Lanka. New Zealand suffered an early collapse, with five of their top six batsmen dismissed for two runs or less, ultimately succumbing to a 140-run defeat.
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana made history by becoming the second Indian woman to reach 4000 runs in one-day international (ODI) cricket. In a match against Ireland, Mandhana led her team to a successful chase with her explosive batting, adding 41 runs off just 29 balls. She achieved this milestone in 95 innings, making her the third fastest player to do so. Previously, only Mithali Raj had scored over 4000 runs in women's cricket for India. Mandhana's feat also puts her in an elite group of players who have scored 4000 runs in under 100 innings, joining the likes of Belinda Clarke and Meg Lanning. This achievement also highlights the impressive growth and success of women's cricket in India.
In a high-scoring match, opener Pathum Nissanka led the way for Sri Lanka, scoring a quickfire 66 before retiring with an injury. However, he returned later to add crucial runs to the total and help his team post a competitive target of 290-8. Despite a strong start from New Zealand, Sri Lanka's bowlers were able to restrict them to just 150 runs, with seamer Matt Henry claiming four wickets. Sri Lanka's convincing win in the final ODI gave them a series clean sweep after losing the first two matches.
As the search for a new manager continues for Everton, it seems that David Moyes is in talks for a potential return to the club. This comes as the latest development in the FA Cup news conferences, with Moyes being one of many managers speaking about transfers and team news. Other highlights include Amorim's thoughts on Man Utd's transfers and Bentancur's return after a concerning injury. Stay involved with #bbcfootball for all the latest updates.
As the SA20 League 2025 gets underway, it will be a clash of the titans as Durban Super Giants take on Pretoria Capitals, with star players Heinrich Klaasen, Kane Williamson, and Liam Livingstone leading the charge for their teams. Klaasen's destructive batting, Williamson's experience and resilience, and Livingstone's raw power and versatility make them the ultimate game-changers in T20 cricket.
As the January transfer window heats up, Manchester City are looking to bolster their squad with the addition of Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens. This comes after a difficult first half of the season for the Citizens. Meanwhile, rivals Manchester United are also in the market for new players, potentially including striker Marcus Rashford in a swap deal with Napoli. Liverpool, on the other hand, may wait to see how the transfer market unfolds before making any decisions about new signings. Keep up with all the latest transfer news and rumors in our live blog.
The Saudi Pro League is back in action for its new season, with increased global attention and an exciting race for the title. More international stars have joined top teams, such as Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, creating a more competitive league. Indian fans can catch all the action live on Sony Sports channels or through Sony LIV. As the league looks to further expand its global reach, it will be interesting to see how the new season unfolds with multiple teams contending for the title.