Big names in table tennis congratulate Liu Guoliang for promotion

Chinese Table Tennis Association President Liu Guoliang has been announced as the chairman of the World Table Tennis Council. /VCG

International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) chief executive Steve Dainton has applauded the appointment of Liu Guoliang as the new World Table Tennis (WTT) Council Chairman, saying the 44-year-old will "spark the future" of the sport when "the whole industry is in the shadow of the pandemic."

Leading a chorus of praise for the Chinese veteran, Dainton said Liu is "the most influential figure in table tennis, not only in China but around the globe," which makes him the "perfect" person to assume this important role, and the arrangement is "fantastic news for the entire table tennis family."

Japan's 17-year-old prodigy Tomokazu Harimoto, who is considered as one of the most stunning talents capable of ending China's table tennis domination, took to Twitter to express his delight.

Japanese star Tomokazu Harimoto is table tennis' youngest World Tour Grand Finals singles champion. /VCG

"Liu Guoliang is appointed as the chairman of the WTT Council today, and I believe that the table tennis will become more well-known through the good works of the WTT," observed Harimoto before adding "Congratulations to Chairman Liu!"

Harimoto's teammate, world No. 9 Kasumi Ishikawa echoed the sentiment, saying "Congrats, Liu! Hopefully, WTT will bring us more happiness." Rio Olympics bronze medalist Ai Fukuhara also expressed her feelings. "It's fantastic, I couldn't be more thrilled," beamed the baby-faced star on Weibo.

WTT was set up by the ITTF last year in an attempt to unlock the commercial value of table tennis and deliver strong financial returns. Liu, who enjoyed a stellar career on the international stage, is seen as the charismatic insider who has what it takes to put the table tennis on par with the world's most sought-after sports.

Liu Guoliang (R) kisses Ma Long after winning the men's table tennis final during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 17, 2016. /VCG

The current Olympic and World Champion Ma Long has already set his eyes firmly on the future. "It is a well-deserved appointment," he said. "I'm looking forward to seeing Chairman Liu bring the table tennis to greater heights."

Women's world No. 1 Chen Meng pointed out that notable changes are surely on the cards after Liu took charge.

"I'm deeply convinced that table tennis will have a brighter prospect under the guidance of Chairman Liu," said the talisman. "We are motivated to work even harder to defend such a big table tennis family."