Chen Meng has been selected for the Paris Olympics - Thank God!

A bit of a ramble. Basically, I want to feel something when I watch the Olympics later this year.

[@mohammadeskandari4385]

I can never over the fact that Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen never competed in Olympics singles.

[@TableTennisOpinionswithAsh]

It is crazy. Too much loved players, and two of the best of the last decade or so

[@vinhziger6968]

I will never stop believing in Ma Long 🎉😢

[@TableTennisOpinionswithAsh]

I'm with you

[@geraldcarino5009]

Agree 100%, our beloved sports lacks humanity

[@pansarbobo7477]

I think you have brought out a very fresh and interesting perspective about the selection that I previously failed to understand. On the logical side of things, It will seem fair to select the best players with the best chance of winning. But then that particular player would not be the fan favorite probably due to him being new to the spotlight and people haven't really build themselves emotionally for him. For example Alcraz of table tennis. Many would argue that at this very moment, he is better than Nadal for Spain. Because he is pretty good for his age and his odds of winning is probably higher than Nadal who has so many injuries due to age. But then again, people don't get emotionally connected with Alcraz the same way they do with Nadal. People might be willing to accept the fact that Nadal will lose but they are at the same time willing to pay big bucks just to watch him play one more time on the big stage. Without them, tennis can still be interest as Alcraz is an amazing player but it just doesn't feel the same.

[@TableTennisOpinionswithAsh]

A good comment. I think tennis is in a more privileged position and can probably afford to lose a few greats as they seem better at developing new players the fans really connect with. Table tennis needs more characters. I just hope we have some really gripping competition in Paris that has reasons to watch other than great skill.

[@eugenetrading6367]

Most sport councils globally couldn't care less if the competitions were interesting or not. Most associations get funding from the government which are mostly taxpayers' money and sponsors who expect them to play well and uplift their brand. So both stakeholders want you to deliver results. Winning and losing could also determine the direction of national pride so I do not think those on the top would prioritize an individuals' personal fame /story over the reputation of the country. The Olympics is held every 4 years and a lot of countries pump in billions into the sport for training and development just so that their players can stand on the podium or even better, bring home the gold. I don't think anyone would mind if the player continues to play in regular events even when he or she is past their prime but the Olympics is different. It's basically a do or die situation and that's the harsh reality of sport that fans really need to accept, albeit the possible excitement and drama that happens after winning the most prestigious award in sports.

[@TableTennisOpinionswithAsh]

Yeah, you are right. There are definitely different priorities for sports councils, as to those of the fans or the TV/Media showing an event. I am purely viewing from the fan perspective I guess.

[@starking1187]

With all due fairness, I think the Chen Meng one is far more controversial than Ma Long's. While I see where you're going with defending champions and emotions and stuff, but as you self admitted, Chen Meng is not the best Chinese player at the Moment. Yes she won the Saudi Smash but same with Ma Long, that's one tournament in a long time. Wang Manyu would've been the better pick as she's consistently reaching finals and semi-finals. Throughout the olympic race, she won 8 titles. Besides, the only reason why she didn't make it was because China introduced a 3000 point deduction after the world champs. It was done to prevent Wang Yidi from losing to more foreigners but unfortunately Wang Manyu became the sacrificed one out of all these. I would argue that it would be fair in the rule was implemented on day 1 but it's not a thus the result today Wang Manyu missed the spot because of one bad performance in Saudi.

[@TableTennisOpinionswithAsh]

The Chinese selectors are in a difficult position as they just have to choose based on their selection criteria. I just think it's better for the sport overall, for spectators, to have defending champions giving it a shot.

[@malaysiatabletennis]

Isit just me or isit this guy rili look like elon musk XD

[@TableTennisOpinionswithAsh]

Haha, I don't know if I should take this as a compliment or not!