Withdrawal from World Rankings
Forced out of the world ranking system
Fan Zhendong’s Statement (Translation)
I remember it all too well ❤️
When I wrote “last dance” back in May, I had already anticipated that Paris might be my last Olympic Games, and I was determined to give my all to fight for my country.
After successfully completing my Olympic mission, and given the immense mental toll remaining from the Paris cycle, I have not yet made concrete plans for my future career—aside from confirming my participation in the next National Games.
Recently, the WTT announced new regulations imposing fines for non-participation. While I respect the international organization, I personally cannot bear this burden. Therefore, for now, I have no choice but to withdraw from the world rankings.
In accordance with the requirements of the ITTF and the Chinese Table Tennis Association, I submitted the necessary report this week.
I am still me. I am not retiring. I will continue to work hard and participate in various other arenas.
Never stop chasing my wildest dreams 🩵
Table tennis is a badge of honor spanning my childhood and youth, but my infinite love for sports will fill my entire life.
I will not stray far from table tennis, and I certainly won’t be absent from the world of sports.
It’s time to try defying gravity 💚
Fan Zhendong’s withdrawal from the world ranking system sparked global discussion. After missing WTT events, he received zero points per ITTF regulations, causing his ranking to rapidly decline until it disappeared entirely.
This decision represents his stance against the current WTT system’s over-commercialization and athlete burnout, choosing instead to focus on the Bundesliga where he can find freedom, respect, and pure joy in the sport.