Most Popular Sports in China: Table Tennis
It is the most recreational sport in China. In the early 1950s, Chinese leader Mao Zedng declared table tennis as a national sport. Chinese athletes became the strongest in the world within a short period. Deng Yaping won 6 world championships and 4 Olympic championships between 1989 and 1997. Ping-pong tables can be found in every school. Kids hone their skills from a young age. The game also doesn’t require a lot of space, which is ideal in a crowded country like China.
Player |
Awards |
Olympic Wins |
---|---|---|
Ma Long |
ITTF Male Player of the year |
Gold (2016) |
Fan Zhendong |
World Cup Champion |
Silver (2020), Bronze (2016) |
Xu Xin |
World Champion Gold |
Gold (2016, 2019) |
Liu Shiwen |
ITTF Female Player of the Year |
Gold (2016), Silver (2012) |
Ding Ning |
Olympic Gold Medalist |
Gold (2016), Silver (2012) |
List of Most Popular Sports in China
Sports have significantly shaped China’s history, identity, and national pride. They have excelled in sports like table tennis, diving, and badminton. Since hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics, the country has announced a series of national plans aspiring to become a strong sports nation by 2025. The Chinese government takes care of its professional players as a means of dominating sports.
Let us learn more about the popular sports in China.