Wang Chuqin of China will participate in three table tennis events at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris: the men's singles, the men's doubles and the mixed doubles competitions.

Three years ago, Wang was with the Chinese national team at the Tokyo Olympic Games, but served as a substitute. His main duty was helping teammates during practice. While watching his compatriots win four of the sport's five gold medals, he was also wondering when he would get the chance to play himself.

"Though I was in the stands watching the Chinese national flag fly for my teammates, I was no less excited," Wang told China Media Group (CMG). "I was so happy about the honor they achieved and proud of them. I wanted to be like them."

Wang didn't have to wait too long to receive his opportunity. In 2022, he won nine titles in total, including four in singles competition. Over the following year, he further improved his performance by becoming the first table tennis player to win four golds at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province.

In July 2023, Wang moved to the No. 1 spot in men's singles in the World Table Tennis (WTT) rankings, and has since been viewed as a serious contender for the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Wang expressed sincere gratitude toward his coach Xiao Zhan and national team captain Ma Long for their help in his growth. He says the two pushed him to improve and served as positive role models.

Wang also revealed that his first goal at Paris 2024 will be to win the mixed doubles gold with Sun Yingsha. "I want to give myself my pressure," he told CMG. "When you have a clear target and a high requirement for yourself in practice, you can grow stronger and stronger."