China has named World No. 1 Wang Chuqin as captain of its men’s table tennis team, with Liang Jingkun appointed vice-captain. The leadership change marks a new era following Ma Long’s tenure, as Wang aims to guide China toward continued global dominance after recent international triumphs and championship successes.
China’s table tennis powerhouse has entered a new chapter as World No. 1 Wang Chuqin has officially been appointed captain of the Chinese men’s table tennis team. The announcement marks a significant leadership transition for one of the most successful sporting teams in the world, with Liang Jingkun being named vice-captain.
The decision was announced by Chinese men’s team head coach Wang Hao, who expressed confidence in Wang Chuqin’s ability to lead the team into a new era of success. According to Wang Hao, the appointment reflects both Wang’s outstanding achievements and his growing influence within the national squad.
“We hope that Wang Chuqin can carry forward the responsibilities and mission of the team captain and take over the baton from former captain Ma Long,” Wang Hao stated. He further emphasized that the role represents not only a great honour but also a significant responsibility that requires dedication and commitment.
The leadership appointments come shortly after China’s remarkable performance at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals held in London. Wang Chuqin played a pivotal role in helping China secure its 12th consecutive men’s team title, maintaining a flawless record by winning all ten of his matches during the tournament.
Liang Jingkun also made a major contribution to the championship victory. The newly appointed vice-captain delivered impressive comeback wins in both the semifinal and final matches. He defeated France’s Alexis Lebrun in the semifinals before overcoming Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto in the final, demonstrating resilience under pressure and reinforcing his value to the national team.
Wang Chuqin’s appointment comes as little surprise given his exceptional record over the past several years. The 26-year-old currently sits atop the men’s singles world rankings and has established himself as one of the most dominant figures in international table tennis.
Among his most notable achievements are Olympic gold medals in mixed doubles alongside Sun Yingsha and in the men’s team event with Ma Long and Fan Zhendong. Wang has also enjoyed remarkable success on the professional circuit, winning the prestigious WTT Finals men’s singles titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
His outstanding form continued in 2025 when he captured the men’s singles crown at the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Doha. At the same event, he also secured gold in mixed doubles with Sun Yingsha, further strengthening his reputation as one of the sport’s elite competitors.
Wang’s impressive medal collection also includes four gold medals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he triumphed in men’s singles, team competition, doubles, and mixed doubles events. Over the years, he has accumulated numerous medals at World Championships, World Cups, WTT Grand Smash tournaments, and Asian Championships.
This year, Wang added another major title to his resume by winning the WTT United States Smash men’s singles championship. He dominated Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto in the final with a convincing 4-0 victory. He followed that success by claiming his third WTT Champions Macao title and reclaiming the coveted World No. 1 ranking.
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With Wang Chuqin now taking over the captaincy from legendary former leader Ma Long, expectations remain high for China’s men’s table tennis team. Supported by vice-captain Liang Jingkun and a talented squad, Wang is expected to lead the team in its pursuit of continued international success and maintain China’s long-standing dominance in the sport.
