China has once again proven its dominance in the world of table tennis, securing gold in both the men’s and women’s team competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The victories not only solidify China’s status as the powerhouse of the sport but also mark significant historical milestones for the nation and its players.
Men's Team: Fifth Straight Gold for China
China's men’s team captured its historic fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal, defeating a strong Swedish side 3-0 in the final. The Chinese team, led by Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Wang Chuqin, displayed their incredible depth and skill throughout the competition. The victory also cemented Ma Long’s place as the most decorated table tennis Olympian of all time, as he earned his sixth Olympic gold medal, surpassing all other players in the sport's history.
The final began with a closely contested doubles match, where the experienced pairing of Ma Long and Wang Chuqin triumphed over Sweden’s Anton Kallberg and Kristian Karlsson in a 3-2 battle (8-11, 11-4, 11-3, 6-11, 11-7). The Swedes fought hard, but the Chinese duo’s precision and power proved too much to overcome.
Fan Zhendong then extended China’s lead with a thrilling 3-2 win (10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 11-13, 11-5) over Truls Moregard. The Swedish sensation, who had previously defeated Wang Chuqin in the singles event, pushed Fan to the limit, but the Chinese star’s experience shone through as he maintained composure in the crucial moments.
Wang Chuqin sealed China’s victory in a dramatic 3-2 match (11-9, 11-5, 10-12, 10-12, 11-2) against Kristian Karlsson. Despite Karlsson’s fierce resistance, Wang’s powerful forehand and tactical play secured the final point, ensuring China’s place at the top of the podium once again.
Women’s Team: A Golden Milestone
In the women’s team competition, China faced off against Japan in a tense final, ultimately claiming their third consecutive Olympic gold medal. The opening doubles match saw Chen Meng and Wang Manyu struggle against Japan’s Hina Hayata and 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto, but the Chinese duo pulled through with a 3-2 win (9-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10).
With momentum on their side, Sun Yingsha, the world number one, delivered a commanding performance in the second match, defeating Miu Hirano 3-0 (13-11, 11-6, 11-6) and bringing China one step closer to victory. Wang Manyu then completed the triumph, overcoming Miwa Harimoto 3-1 (12-14, 12-10, 11-7, 11-6) to secure the gold for China.
This victory not only marked China’s 300th Olympic gold medal but also saw Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, and Chen Meng become the first trio in history to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the women’s team event. Meanwhile, Miwa Harimoto’s silver medal achievement made her the youngest table tennis medallist at the Paris 2024 Games, a sign of Japan’s rising talent.
A Legacy of Dominance
China’s clean sweep in both the men’s and women’s team events highlights the country’s unparalleled legacy in Olympic table tennis. Ma Long’s historic sixth gold, Fan Zhendong’s redemption after a silver finish in Tokyo, and Sun Yingsha’s rise as a global star all contribute to the narrative of China’s continued reign at the top of the sport.
As these athletes celebrate their victories, they also leave behind a powerful message for the next generation: the pursuit of excellence, the importance of resilience, and the drive to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in table tennis. The world now looks to Paris 2024 as a pivotal chapter in China’s table tennis dominance, as they continue to set the standard for the sport.