Only 30 days remain! The anticipation is electric as we inch closer to the pinnacle of Mixed Doubles table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with the Mixed Doubles Gold Medal match set to take place on 30 July at the South Paris Arena 4. The Tokyo 2020 Games saw history unfold with the event’s debut, and Paris promises an even more thrilling chapter. 

Let’s rewind to the electrifying scenes of Tokyo 2020. Japan’s dynamic duo, Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito, defied expectations by capturing the first-ever Olympic Mixed Doubles gold medal. Their journey wasn’t easy. They faced a formidable challenge from the top-seeded Chinese pair, Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen, who dominated the opening two games. But the resilience of Mizutani and Ito shone through. They clawed their way back, displaying exceptional teamwork and unwavering determination, ultimately securing a historic victory. 

This win marked a momentous occasion for Japan. It was their first table tennis gold medal across any discipline since the sport’s Olympic debut in 1988, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of the sport. The 2020 Mixed Doubles competition also saw Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju and Cheng I-Ching secure a well-deserved bronze medal. 

Fast forward to today. The final list of qualified pairs for Paris 2024 is ready, setting the stage for an electrifying competition. All eyes will be on the top-seeded pair, China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha. They’ll be hungry to deliver China’s first Mixed Doubles gold medal since the event’s inception. Standing in their way will be several formidable opponents. The Korean duo of Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin, and Japan’s Hina Hayata and Tomokazu Harimoto are threats to any pair.  

This diverse mix of stars guarantees a spectacle unlike any other. One thing’s for certain: a new Mixed Doubles champion will be crowned in Paris. Stay tuned to ITTF.com for all the latest updates as the tournament unfolds. Witness the drama, the heart-stopping rallies, and the ultimate quest for Olympic glory. Check out the full schedule of table tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games here.