🏓 Table Tennis Legend Ma Long Officially Announces His Resignation from Professional Play — End of an Era in Global Table Tennis
*Beijing, China – In a moment that marks the end of one of the greatest careers in the history of table tennis, **Ma Long**, widely considered the greatest table tennis player of all time, has **officially announced his resignation** from professional play. The 35-year-old Chinese superstar, often dubbed “The Dragon” by fans and opponents alike, made the announcement through a heartfelt press release and a globally streamed farewell ceremony in Beijing.*
The news, while anticipated by some due to Ma Long’s limited appearances in recent years, still struck the sporting world with deep emotion. His departure symbolizes the closing of a golden chapter not only for Chinese table tennis but for the sport globally.
—
### 🎯 A Career of Unmatched Excellence
Ma Long’s resignation brings to a close a **historic and record-breaking career** that has spanned more than two decades. He is the only male player in history to have won:
* **Two Olympic gold medals in men’s singles** (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020)
* **Three Olympic team gold medals**
* **Three World Cup titles**
* **Five World Championship singles titles**
* Over **35 ITTF World Tour titles**
These achievements, combined with his exceptional longevity at the top level, have earned Ma Long a permanent place in the annals of sports history.
His career win-loss record, discipline, and relentless work ethic made him a symbol of consistency. Nicknamed “The Dictator” in his prime due to his dominance, Ma Long held the world number one ranking for a cumulative total of **64 months**, the longest in the history of the sport.
—
### đź“Ł The Announcement: Emotional, Poetic, and Powerful
Ma Long delivered his resignation speech at a special ceremony held by the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) at the Beijing National Gymnasium, flanked by family members, teammates, coaches, and journalists from across the world.
> *“Today, I officially bid farewell to competitive table tennis,”* he began. *“This decision was not easy. Table tennis is in my blood — it gave me everything. But I believe this is the right moment to leave as an athlete and embrace a new role.”*
He thanked his longtime coaches, including Liu Guoliang and Qin Zhijian, for guiding his journey, as well as the Chinese fans who supported him through highs and lows. He held back tears as he addressed younger players:
> *“I hope the next generation will love the game as fiercely as I did. Fight for every point, every match, every flag.”*
—
### 🌍 Tributes Pour in from Around the Globe
Within minutes of Ma Long’s announcement, tributes and reactions poured in from across the sporting world:
**Liu Guoliang**, President of the CTTA and Ma Long’s former coach, stated:
> *“Ma Long is not just the pride of China; he is the pride of world table tennis. His professionalism, integrity, and grace under pressure are unmatched. We have not just lost a player, we have gained a legend.”*
**ITTF President Petra Sörling** wrote:
> *“Ma Long has defined an era. On behalf of the international table tennis family, we thank him for the inspiration and the unforgettable moments.”*
International players including **Timo Boll**, **Hugo Calderano**, and **Tomokazu Harimoto** also expressed their admiration online, calling him *“a warrior,” “a gentleman,”* and *“an artist of the table.”*
—
### 🏆 Legacy Beyond Trophies
Ma Long’s legacy stretches far beyond his medal count. He is admired for his humility, intelligence, and deep understanding of the game. His ability to evolve tactically and adapt to younger opponents made him ageless on the court.
In a country where table tennis is a national obsession, Ma Long became a cultural icon. He appeared on television, mentored youth programs, and was a regular voice on issues such as mental health in sports and athlete discipline.
> *“To play like Ma Long is every player’s dream,”* said Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto. *“To live like Ma Long — with humility and excellence — is the greater challenge.”*
—
### 🎓 What’s Next for the Dragon?
While Ma Long is retiring from professional play, he made it clear during his farewell speech that he’s **not leaving the sport**. He expressed a strong interest in **coaching**, **sports diplomacy**, and **youth mentorship**.
> *“This is not goodbye,”* he said with a smile. *“It’s just a different way of staying in the game.”*
Sources within the Chinese Table Tennis Association suggest that Ma Long could soon take up a **leadership role within the national training program** or even serve as an international ambassador for Chinese sports.
He has also been involved in developing new training methodologies and is expected to collaborate with ITTF and global federations on growing the sport in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
—
### 🕊️ Farewell Tour?
Fans have already begun campaigning online for an **international farewell tour** — a series of exhibition matches where Ma Long would play one last time in major cities such as Tokyo, Berlin, São Paulo, and Los Angeles. Although not confirmed, insiders say the CTTA is considering the idea seriously, as a tribute to his global impact.
—
### 🔚 A Legend Steps Down, But His Legacy Rises Higher
As Ma Long walks away from the spotlight of global tournaments, he leaves behind a towering legacy of **grace, power, dedication, and sportsmanship**. The sport of table tennis may never again witness a career quite like his — one forged through discipline, sustained through passion, and celebrated across the planet.
Fans worldwide will forever remember the roar of the crowd as he unleashed his signature backhand flick, the calm focus in his eyes during match point, and the quiet fist-pumps after victories that moved nations.
**Today, the paddle rests — but the legend of Ma Long will echo for generations.**
Please 🙏 Share.
