China's table tennis legend Liu Guoliang will preside over the term transition team of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, according to the association's announcement on Wednesday.
The official announcement of the Chinese Table Tennis Association on September 27. /Screenshot from Chinese Table Tennis Association
Chinese Table Tennis Association has aimed to deepen its reform and prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics during its term transition period. Thus, the association has carried out the pilot project under the leadership of Liu and the association's vice-president Lei Jun will serve as deputy head of the new team.
Liu, 42, stepped down after four years as head coach of the Chinese national table tennis team last June. Prior to his coaching career, Liu was a professional table tennis player who won all titles at major world tournaments including World Championships, World Cup and Olympic Games.
Liu Guoliang (L) and Ma Long cheer up Chinese table tennis players during the Rio Olympic Games, Brazil, August 17, 2016. /VCG Photo
Mainly due to their unique personalities on and off the court, Liu and his players became popular online especially during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when China had an all-conquering performance in table tennis.
(Cover via VCG Photo)