China’s new table tennis captain Wang Chuqin says role is hard, with ‘nowhere to retreat’
Wang, who was elected unanimously by teammates and coaches, says he will try to emulate the qualities of previous skipper Ma Long
New Chinese men’s table tennis team captain Wang Chuqin has said in an interview that his new role was incredibly difficult, with “nowhere to retreat”.
In an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday, Wang also said the position came with immense pressure, but also provided him with a chance to grow.
“I really don’t think I’m on the same level as Brother Long [previous captain Ma Long],” said Wang, who was elected unanimously by the team’s coaches and players, according to men’s team head coach Wang Hao.
“I never imagined I would become captain – it feels incredibly difficult,” Wang said. “But when you have nowhere to retreat, you try to turn that into a positive mindset, think about the way Brother Long used to play, the qualities we all admired in him, learn from them and make them part of myself.”