In a surprising move, Chinese table tennis sensation and Olympic champion Fan Zhendong announced on Friday that he will be withdrawing from the world rankings due to new regulations set by World Table Tennis (WTT) that impose harsh fines for non-participation in events.

Sharing a heartfelt message on his official Weibo account, Fan reassured his fans that he is committed to continuing his career in the sport he adores and has no intentions of retiring. His statement reflects both his dedication and the heavy psychological burden that comes with competing at such a high level.

“In May, when I mentioned the term 'Last dance,' I was already considering that Paris could be my final Olympics. I am ready to give everything to represent my country,” Fan shared. He expressed that after completing his Olympic mission, the intense pressure and emotional strain from the Paris Olympic cycle left him uncertain about his future beyond his confirmed participation in the upcoming National Games.

The athlete's decision to withdraw stems from his discontent with the newly introduced WTT regulations. “I find it hard to cope with these burdens, despite my respect for international organizations. Therefore, I see no choice but to step back from the world rankings for the time being,” Fan stated, confirming that he has communicated his intentions to both the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the Chinese Table Tennis Association.

Even in the wake of this announcement, Fan made it clear that he is not distancing himself from the sport that has been an integral part of his life. “I am still me, and I am not retiring. I will continue to train hard and compete in various tournaments. Table tennis has defined my life from childhood to adulthood, and my passion for sports will continue to shape my journey,” he affirmed.

Concluding his post on an inspirational note, Fan quoted, “Never stop chasing my wildest dreams” and “It’s time to try defying gravity,” signaling his commitment to push forward in his career.

This announcement comes on the heels of the latest ITTF rankings, which saw Fan drop to sixth place. Out of his eight valid ranking points, five were recorded as zero, highlighting the pressure athletes face regarding performance and participation.

The news has ignited a fervent debate among fans and fellow athletes, many of whom have criticized the WTT's ranking system for prioritizing commercial interests over the well-being of players. Critics argue that the new rules exert excessive pressure on competitors, leading to potential burnout and complications in managing the balance of intense competition alongside necessary recovery periods.

As this situation continues to unfold, it may spark further discussions about the intersection of commercialism and athlete welfare in professional sports, raising questions about how organizations can better support their athletes while maintaining global competitiveness.