Passion vs parenthood: Ma Long may say goodbye to international tournaments

(ECNS) -- 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash concluded on Sunday at Shijingshan Shougang Park in Beijing, with the Chinese table tennis team sweeping all five titles.

In the Men’s Singles, Chinese veteran Ma Long, six-time Olympic champion, lost to 19-year-old compatriot Lin Shidong 3-4, securing the runner-up position.

During the competition, trailing 1-3 by the fourth inning, Lin won the next two games 11-4 and 11-5, tying the match at 3-3. In the final game, Ma's last shot failed to clear the net, resulting in his narrow loss.

Ma later praised Lin's performance, stating that such a young and talented player deserves everyone's attention.

The Chinese team’s continued success is supported by a strong group of young players. In the future, talent like Lin would likely be in the spotlight, Ma said in several interviews during the tournament, encouraging reporters to focus more on the team's young members.

Likewise, Lin remarked that Ma is the spiritual leader of the national team and always serves as a role model for younger players.

Top seed Wang Chuqin, along with his teammates, sat in the audience watching this “clash between generations.” He previously hailed Ma as "the greatest and most outstanding captain in the history of the Chinese table tennis team."

Ma once mentioned that this might be his last international competition.

“I still love the competition”, Ma said, hoping that whenever people think of him, they would recall his passion for table tennis and his determination to win.

“This is one of the most memorable events of my career. Regardless of winning or losing, I will leave here with a smile," Ma said.

In 2003, Ma joined the national team of China. From 2003 to 2024, he has grown from a young boy to a steady and determined captain.

In mid-2012, Ma won his first Olympic gold medal and his first Men's Singles World Cup Champion, marking the beginning of his journey to six Olympic gold medals and double Grand Slam.

Ma, 36, is now the father of two children, who also appeared at the scene.

At an on-site interview, Ma’s son unexpectedly called him from the audience. He gently gestured to his son to be quiet. This warm interaction also made the atmosphere more relaxed and natural. This scene was fully captured by the camera and quickly became a hot topic in China.

“I want to do my best to show my kids the best version of myself," Ma said.

After finishing the interview, he immediately walked toward his children, who ran up the stage, tightly hugging their father’s legs as they welcomed him off the court.