Paris 2024 Olympic champions Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng announced their withdrawal from international table tennis and world rankings due to mental and physical pressures, as well as new fines from the International Table Tennis Federation for missing tournaments. Both players expressed their intention to remain active in the sport despite their temporary exit from competitive rankings.

In a surprising announcement, Olympic champions Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng revealed their withdrawal from international table tennis and the world rankings shortly after their victories at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 27-year-old Fan communicated his decision through a post on Weibo, highlighting the immense psychological pressure he faced during the Olympic cycle as well as newly imposed fines from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for missed tournaments. Fan emphasized his enduring passion for the sport, stating that he would not retire and plans to participate in various competitions.

Chen Meng, 30, shared her own signed retirement notification shortly after Fan’s announcement. She expressed the considerable mental and physical strain she endured leading up to the Games and explained her need to adjust her physical condition moving forward. Like Fan, she referenced the withdrawal fines that influenced her decision to step away from the world rankings temporarily. Chen affirmed her love for table tennis and eagerness to return to the court in the future.

Both champions missed the WTT Finals in Fukuoka and are not listed for the upcoming WTT Singapore Smash tournament in January. The newly established WTT rules allow players to withdraw from events without financial penalties up to twice a year, yet the fines for higher-ranked players can be as steep as $5,000 for each appearance infraction. Their withdrawals signal a significant moment for the sport and reflect ongoing pressures faced by elite athletes in the competitive landscape of international table tennis.

The world of competitive table tennis has recently faced challenges with athletes managing both physical demands and organizational regulations. Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng, gold medalists in singles events at Paris 2024, have chosen to withdraw from international rankings due to the strain and new financial penalties instituted by the International Table Tennis Federation. The rising responsibilities and penalties have ignited discussions about athlete welfare and the sustainability of competitive participation, especially for top-tier players.

The recent decision by Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng to withdraw from international table tennis highlights the increasing pressures athletes face, both physically and mentally. Their actions reflect concerns over new financial penalties imposed by the ITTF and signify a momentary retreat from the competitive arena, even as they reaffirm their commitment to the sport. This scenario warrants further examination regarding athlete management and support within high-stakes competitions.

Original Source: olympics.com

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