Ding Ning, a Chinese table tennis legend, who just graduated from Peking University's Department of Physical Education

Peking University, August 4, 2023: The arrival of Chinese table tennis legend Ding Ning at the Chengdu FISU University World Games has caused a huge buzz among the young paddlers at the event.

The retired Olympic champion has been generous with her time, posing for photos and chatting with star-struck competitors and coaches. The 33-year-old great says she is happy to give back to the sport and hopes she can inspire the student-athletes to chase their own dreams on the table.

"It feels so warm and familiar to return to the table tennis competition. Players from all over the world have approached me and asked to take photos with me, and I have also been speaking with their coaches. Even some of the referees here know me from my playing days," said Ding, who is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and multiple world champion.

"They all love the sport of table tennis, so it's encouraging for them to talk to me or have a picture with me. I'm glad to help and I really hope I can inspire them so that they can create their own legend in the sport. And even off the court, I hope they can bravely chase whatever dreams they have."

Ding remains one of the most iconic players in the history of Chinese table tennis. She won a gold and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, and pocketed another two golds four years later at the Rio Games. After retiring in 2021, Ding pursued postgraduate studies at Peking University, where she graduated last month. Now she is settling in to her new role as deputy team leader of the Chinese table tennis squad.

"It's very interesting to return to competitions in a different role. This is a totally new experience for me. Sitting here as a deputy team leader in the stands and feeling the great atmosphere around me, I even have the urge to go down to the court and play myself," Ding added.

"Of course, all players want gold medals. That requires us to put in hard work and fight hard. What's more important, is the journey to reach the top podium. Throughout the journey, players have to think, grow and improve.

"So, seeing all these young student-athletes in Chengdu, I just want to tell them to not just focus on the final results. I hope they can cherish their time here and enjoy the process."

Ding stressed that it's important for young players to figure out their own route to success, and not try to merely mimic the careers of their predecessors.

"The younger generation of players don't need to be defined. Just display your talent to chase your wildest dreams," Ding added.

Years after Ding's retirement, she still enjoys huge popularity in the sport, as the clamor to meet the legend in Chengdu attests to.

"It's pretty impressive to see a person like Ding Ning. When she's here, everybody listens to her and watches her. She's here to support and inspire the Chinese team. It's great to have such a legend around us," said Gianluca Walther, the coach of the German men's team.

With Ding lending her support, the young student-athletes say the whole experience in Chengdu is inspirational.

"The World University Games are a platform for the world's best student-athletes. The event is full of vitality and energy, and we want to display our own vitality and passion," said He Zhuojia, a competitor from Shanghai University of Sport.

"Table tennis is not just about skill, it's also a great education that can transform us. I was not very strong physically when I was a little girl, and it was table tennis that made me more healthy and fit. I was also a very shy person who dared not to talk to anyone. But the sport made me more confident and outgoing."

Qian Tianyi, also representing Shanghai University of Sport, echoed those sentiments, telling China Daily that table tennis has made her a more courageous person and broadened her horizons.

"Thanks to the games and to table tennis, I am meeting so many different athletes from all over the world," said Qian. "Inside the athletes' village, we have many cultural activities. For instance, we played traditional Chinese games with foreign athletes. We queued up together, laughed together and played together. And they cheered for me."

Ding is also greatly enthused by the cross-cultural benefits of the games.

"The younger generation should learn about the world. The Chengdu FISU games provide athletes from around the world the opportunity to get to know each other and improve together. This is also a great platform for the world to learn more about Chengdu and China."