Ma Long of China hits a return during the men's singles semifinal against Alexis Lebrun of France at the WTT Champions Macao 2023 in Macao, South China, April 22, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

China's Olympic Delegation announced on Wednesday that table tennis player Ma Long and synchronized swimmer Feng Yu will serve as flag bearers for the Chinese team at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ma, the five-time Olympic gold medalist, has been widely welcomed in the Olympic Village. This not only highlights Ma's influence and popularity in the international sports arena but also underscores the beautiful idea that sports transcend national boundaries.

The Paris Olympic media guide has praised Ma as the greatest table tennis player in history, noting his achievements of three team and two singles Olympic gold medals.

The International Olympic Committee said on its website, "This legendary athlete has the opportunity to extend his Olympic legacy."

Ma is the first male player to achieve a career Grand Slam, encompassing Olympic, World Championship, World Cup, Asian Games, Asian Championships, Asian Cup, ITTF World Tour Finals, and National Games singles titles. His consistently high ranking in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) reflects his enduring dominance in the sport.

Beyond his exceptional achievements in table tennis, Ma's affability and charisma have made him an idol for athletes and fans around the world.

As a key member of the Chinese table tennis team, Ma boasts an enormous fan base in China. He is not only a hero to table tennis enthusiasts but also enjoys widespread admiration from the public.

Ma's high profile and influence extend internationally as well, topping the fan popularity rankings on the World Table Tennis (WTT) website.

His humility, diligence, and professionalism have earned him widespread respect and affection. His tenacity and sportsmanship on the court, combined with his approachable nature, contribute to his esteemed reputation both in and out of the sport.

Global Times