Interview

This 26-minute interview is a deep dive into Wang Chuqin’s quiet reflections and raw honesty, captured by CCTV’s Face to Face. What shocked me most was that he actually considered walking away from table tennis after the Paris Olympics. And there’s more, but you’ll have to watch it yourself. 😉

It’s clearly a very Chinese-style interview, where the guest is guided to reflect and, in some ways, glorify suffering. But I’m glad Wang stayed true to himself and kept sharing his real thoughts, just like he always does.

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– An Exclusive Interview with Wang Chuqin by Table Tennis World (Special Issue, Feb 2025)

On New Year’s Day 2025, Wang Chuqin secured victory in the China Table Tennis Super League (CTTSL) finals. The 2024 season finale was unique, stretching across the new year, making this win both the last of 2024 and the first of 2025. After a brief pause in celebration, Wang threw his head back and roared.

“That moment brought back so many memories,” Wang said. Those “memories” encompassed a whirlwind of experiences and emotions from 2024. After the outburst, Wang’s thoughts returned to the match.“ After his outburst, Wang’s thoughts shifted back to the game. “I was overwhelmed. I had been longing for this victory for so long. I don’t think my reaction was over the top. It was just a release of everything I’d been holding in. I’m really glad I could let it out, and I hope this release, this mindset, and my current competitive form carry into 2025.”

The year 2024 was anything but ordinary, marked most notably by the Paris Olympics. Wang went through “couldn’t be more detailed” closed training, relentless early-morning drills that were “always centered around mixed doubles,“ the matches that “kept getting harder,” fought through exhausting battles and won matches “purely on grit.” Over the year, he tasted glory, experienced helplessness, pulled himself out of slumps, and made adjustments. Reflecting on it all, he felt that “compared to my former self, I’ve grown significantly in every aspect“ as he entered 2025.

What changed? Wang answered firmly: “Acceptance. Accepting criticism and unfavorable comments. Even with my flaws and shortcomings, I will still step onto the court and fight as my best self.”

When asked to recall his best, worst, and most memorable moments of 2024, Wang Chuqin, known for his vivid storytelling, replied: “The worst was when Coach Xiao showed me my paddle had completely broken after someone stepped on it. I felt helpless and completely devastated. The best moment was the WTT Finals in Fukuoka. Ever since the Olympics, Coach Wang Hao had been reassuring me, believing in me, but I kept losing matches. Finally, in the Fukuoka finals, I stood my ground. It felt like I could finally repay all the trust he had in me.”

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In a recent interview with the Chinese Olympic Channel, Wang Chuqin opens up about his post-Paris Olympic struggles (again!), his goals for LA 2028, the emotions table tennis brings, and a heartfelt letter from his mother that still inspires him today. Watch the full interview with English subtitles and the transcript here.

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Before I wrap up Wang Chuqin and Weiqiao Club’s CTTSL victory, I had to share Wang’s post-match thoughts on his performance, his journey back to enjoying the sport after wanting to step away, and more. Check out all the interviews on my YouTube channel and the transcript here!

Transcripts (Post-Semifinal Interview)

Interviewer: How would you summarize today’s match (your win against Fan Zhendong)?

Wang Chuqin: This was a rematch with Fan Zhendong after just a few days, and I tried to learn from the lessons of my previous loss. I prepared thoroughly for this match. From the moment I knew we’d be up against Shanghai, I could already imagine how tough it would be. After all, playing against someone like Bro Dong, one of the world’s best players, I wanted to bring my best to the table.

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Interviewer: How was the atmosphere on the court today?

Wang Chuqin:

Since 2023, the atmosphere at table tennis events, both domestic and international, has been incredibly lively. We’ve been receiving increasing support from fans, who are also becoming more knowledgeable about the sport, and the overall vibe just keeps improving. Today, for instance, I didn’t feel any disturbances at all. Clearly, people are gaining a deeper understanding of the sport and the kind of support and encouragement we players truly appreciate.

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Interviewer: It’s the last day of 2024. Can you sum up this year in a few keywords? And what are your hopes for 2025?

Wang Chuqin: Such a tough question! Hmm… I’d say setbacks, joy, pain, and turning points. As for 2025? Let’s get through tomorrow (Jan 1st, 2025) first.

2024 has probably been different for me compared to others. I went through a lot, gained a lot, and lost some things. But now, as the year wraps up, I feel like I’m back on track, and I truly appreciate being in this current state. I hope 2025 will continue on this positive note and allow me to perform better for myself and the Chinese table tennis team.

Transcripts (Post-Final Interview)

Interviewer: Your thoughts on winning the first title in 2025 – the CTTSL Championship?

Wang Chuqin: Going into the match against Lin Shidong, I told myself to stay humble and approach it with a fighting mindset. Of course, my desire to compete and win was quite strong. I’m thrilled to have secured this championship for Weiqiao. I hope the relaxed yet confident mindset I brought to the court and the improved competitive form compared to earlier this year will carry over into 2025.

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Interviewer: Your emotional shout and celebration after the match – what was going through your mind?

Wang Chuqin: This was essentially my last match of the 2024 season, and the moment I won, so many memories from the past flashed through my mind. Being immersed in such a deeply desired victory was incredibly emotional. I don’t think my celebration was over the top, and it was simply a release of my emotions. It felt amazing to win this match, shout, and let it all out. I hope this emotional release and my current positive form and mindset will carry forward.

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Interviewer: Fans were chanting, “Wang Chuqin, you’re the best!” What would you like to say to them?

Wang Chuqin:  I can truly feel the support and cheers from everyone during this CTTSL, and perhaps not just this CTTSL but in past matches as well. As I’ve said before, I hope to give back to them through strong performances, match after match. I believe that delivering my best on the court and securing victories is the best way to show my gratitude to them, and to myself.

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Interviewer: Gratitude to Weiqiao

Wang Chuqin: If I remember correctly, this is my third year with Weiqiao. I’ve always been deeply grateful for their care and support. Playing in the CTTSL with Weiqiao feels different from my past experiences. It gives me a sense of warmth, like being part of a family. I’ve always hoped to win a championship for Weiqiao, but it hasn’t happened until now.

With Lin Yun-Ju joining us this year and teammates Huang Youzheng, Zhou Qihao, Yu Ziyang, and Liang Jingkun, we’ve formed an incredibly strong team. Along with the care from Weiqiao’s staff and the guidance from Coach Yin Xiao, I feel this team’s cohesion and fighting spirit are unmatched by any other club. Winning this championship for Weiqiao this year makes me truly happy.

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Surprised but not that surprised, our lionhearted Wang Chuqin made a roaring comeback at the WTT Finals Fukuoka after nearly four months of a mysterious – yet not so mysterious – slump. Before discussing his performance, let me share some gems from his tournament interviews. Unlike the typical CNT player interviews that sound more like rehearsed scripts, Wang’s words were raw and straight to the point. No robotic answers, no diplomatic fluff. He opened up about his struggles since the Olympics, what it’s like to hold the world No. 1 ranking, how he views opponents, how he copes with pressure, and even how he’s rediscovering his inner voice. He also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his teammates and coaches.

“Being world No.1 isn’t as significant as it seemed.”

“I think fans and I see things differently. Everyone has their own thoughts and perspectives, but I can’t let others’ expectations define me.”

”Losing a match (in the Olympics) doesn’t make it about revenge or anything like that… Yes, I lost to him, but Moregardh didn’t win his Olympic silver medal just by beating me, he defeated many outstanding players along the way. So I don’t focus too much on that one match or on him. After all, there are many excellent players out there, not just him… For me, today was just another regular match. If I had treated it as something special, I probably wouldn’t have been able to win today.

It’s not every day you get to hear such an unvarnished, genuine perspective from a player of his caliber, and it was just as remarkable as his performance on the court.

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