By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 1st, during the Women’s Singles second round of the 2024 World Table Tennis Professional League (WTT) China Grand Slam, Ni Xia Lian, representing Luxembourg, found herself in a challenging match against Japan’s outstanding player, Ito Mima, ultimately suffering a 0-3 defeat. The 61-year-old athlete, known for her cheerful demeanor, couldn’t hold back her tears after the match.
In an emotional moment, Ni stated, “I’m really sorry for disappointing everyone. Competing in Beijing feels like coming home for me. I genuinely wanted to win, but I just didn’t have the ability to do so, and I’m truly sorry for letting you all down.”
For Ni, table tennis is more than just about wins and losses; it’s about the joy of the game. This summer marked her participation in her sixth Olympic Games, a rare feat in the world of competitive table tennis. However, she emphasizes that her journey isn’t about records or accolades. “I don’t need records; I just want to do my best,” she asserted.
Despite facing the reigning Olympic champion, Ni gave it her all, darting across the table in an attempt to challenge Ito. From the beginning, Ito demonstrated her impressive offensive skills, controlling the pace of the match. As a result, Ni was unable to advance past the round of 32.
After the match, Ni’s emotional response surprised fans who know her for her joyful spirit. As she made her way to the mixed zone, she was met with an outpouring of support. A young fan approached her, braving the chilly wind to ask for an autograph. Ni, ever considerate, even asked if the child was warm enough.
“Everyone has been so kind to me; I’m truly touched,” Ni shared, her emotions evident. “Returning to Beijing to compete, I hoped to deliver an exciting match for everyone. That was my biggest wish.”
This was her first return to Beijing for competition since the 2008 Olympics, where she had aspired to reward her supporters with a victory during the National Day celebration. “I really wanted to score more points for you all; I’m sorry for the disappointment. Thank you all for your support,” she said, tears brimming in her eyes once again.
“I know it’s hard to win, but I continue to tackle each challenge,” Ni reflected. “That’s the essence of competitive sports; it’s all about skill. We must confront obstacle after obstacle, and I hope that young people can learn something valuable from my journey.”