Liu Shiwen (left) and Ai Fukuhara in 2010 File Photo: CFP

After Chinese table tennis player Liu Shiwen was forced to exit from the Tokyo Olympic Games because of injuries, Japan's table tennis star Ai Fukuhara, who has trained in clubs in China, encouraged her and sent her best wishes via a video clip, warming the hearts of many Chinese netizens.

Fukuhara also mentioned how China's table tennis teams have made great contributions in training many foreign players for the global sports event.

On Sunday, Liu announced that she would no longer compete at the Olympic Games due to injuries. The statement garnered the sympathy of Chinese netizens.

Fukuhara's message of comfort was later posted on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo on Monday.

In the video clip, the Japanese player said that she is unable to go meet Liu because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but once the pandemic ends, she intends to go keep Liu company. 

"Let's eat together and compare our heights. I think I am taller than you… Please work on improving your mood first, and keep moving on. I will support you forever!" the athlete said in Chinese.

The related hashtag has been viewed more than 320 million times as of Monday on Sina Weibo. "How lovely their friendship is!" large numbers of Chinese netizens commented.

Fukuhara has been friends with Liu since she trained in China's Liaoning table tennis club with Liu. She later transferred to the Guangzhou club.

Some netizens expressed pride at the fact that many brilliant table tennis players around the world were cultivated by China's table tennis teams.

"It goes without saying that China has made great contributions to the table tennis world in recent years. Chinese coaches have gone abroad to train many excellent players in other countries such as Japan. In addition, some retired players from provincial teams in China have also joined in many exchange activities," one netizen wrote on Sina Weibo in a post. 

Chinese table tennis fans also showed concern for Liu's health and expressed their hopes for her quick recovery. 

"I hope she can return to her best condition as soon as possible. She has climbed to the mountain top and does not need to be afraid as missing out once does not mean anything," Fang, a fan of Liu's, told the Global Times on Monday.