Wang Manyu, Liu Shiwen, Ding Ning, Zhu Yuling and Chen Xingtong (From L to R) of China pose with the trophy after the women's team final against Japan at the ITTF Team World Cup in London, Britain on Feb. 25, 2018. China claimed the title with 3-0. (Xinhua/Stephen Chung)

Chinese table tennis player Ding Ning announced on Sina Weibo on Monday that she was retiring from sports after her 26-year career. Netizens, including her teammates and the much liked Japanese table tennis fellow Ai Fukuhara, quickly moved to show their support for Ding's decision.

In Ding's post, the table tennis veteran said that she cherished every single moment of her career, which began when she was just 5 years old. She noted that as a table tennis player, she learned to always be brave no matter what the situation is, and she finished by expressing her gratitude to the Chinese table tennis team. 

"Many thanks to my coach, my teammates who are with me, I love you all!" Ding posted. 

In her retirement announcement, Ding also revealed her plans for the future. Calling herself "learner Ding," she noted that she started studying at one of China's top-tier institutions that same day: Peking University. 

The news about Ding's retirement became a hot topic on Sina Weibo, earning more than 500 million views. Among those who sent Ding their best wishes were sports stars such as Japanese table tennis star Ai Fukuhara. 

Fukuhara, who has been Ding's friend for years, posted on Sina Weibo describing Ding as a "positive and upright" athlete who continually offered her detailed advice for making her a better table tennis player.  

"I figured out the reason that why you could have won so many Olympic and world championships. From you, I see that a person who is really capable does not need to hide herself; there are no secrets because of the strong capability," Fukuhara posted on Sina Weibo in Chinese. 

Ding's teammates on the China National Team, such as top table tennis players Liu Shiwen and Tokyo Olympic gold medalists Ma Long and Xu Xin, also posted messages of support to encourage the star as she started her new journey. 

"It is more than any words," wrote Xu, while Ma posted "big team leader forever, future will be bright." Ma and Ding were both leaders for the Chinese table tennis team. 

Fans of Ding took to social media to express their feelings on hearing about their idol's retirement. 

"I've been her fan ever since 2010. I like the vibe she delivered as a woman player steady and bold, but also humble and gentle to people. She was my favorite player when she was on the sports court; now that she is retired, she is still one of my favorite people, who encourages me from time to time," Cindy Zhu, a fan of Ding and amateur table tennis player in Chengdu, told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

In September, Ding enrolled in Peking University's Sports Education and Research Department. 

Ding had a terrific table tennis career, attaining a number of great achievements such as winning gold at the 2016 Rio Games and three World Table Tennis Championships.