by Amy Ding
Ding Ning has been crowned Best Female Athlete of the Year for the first time at the China Laureus Sports Awards. The grand slam champion has had a superb 2017. Ding won two gold medals at the 2017 World Championships, claiming the title in both Women’s Singles and Doubles. She also topped the podium at the China Open and China National Games. At the Astana 2017 ITTF Star Awards held earlier this month, Ding also took home Female Table Tennis Star and and won the 2017 Star Point.
Unfortunately, Ding Ning was unable to attend the China Laureus awards ceremony due to a match at Chinese Super League. Instead, her head coach Chen Bin received the award on Ding’s behalf.
“The honour belongs to Ding Ning, the honour belongs to Chinese table tennis national team as well”, shared Coach Chen.
Ding Ning expressed thanks on her social media page.
”Thanks for the recognition from the organising committee. I never forget why I started and will keep fighting in the future. Just as my coach said, the honour belongs to the whole Chinese table tennis family”.