Chinese table tennis icon Ma Long has added another prestigious accolade to his illustrious career, receiving the Outstanding Sporting Career Award at the 2024 ANOC Awards ceremony in recognition of his extraordinary achievements and contribution to the sport.
The ceremony, held in the coastal town of Cascais, Portugal, where the 27th General Assembly of the ANOC took place on 30 October in celebration of the outstanding performances from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, saw the table tennis legend honoured for his unprecedented career that has redefined excellence in the sport.
At Paris 2024, Ma Long secured his record-extending sixth Olympic gold medal in the men’s team event. This historic achievement further cemented his status as the most decorated Olympic table tennis player of all time, with no other player having won more than four Olympic golds.
The 35-year-old’s Olympic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His path to greatness began at London 2012, where he claimed his first Olympic gold medal as part of China’s formidable men’s team. At Rio 2016, Ma Long’s legend truly took flight as he demonstrated exceptional racket mastery, combining offensive brilliance with tactical genius to secure his first men’s singles gold medal, establishing himself as the sport’s dominant force.
Tokyo 2020 saw Ma Long achieve the unprecedented – successfully defending his men’s singles title, a feat never before accomplished in Olympic table tennis history. Alongside his singles triumph, he secured another team gold, further enriching his Olympic legacy.
Beyond the Olympic arena, Ma Long’s dominance extends across all major competitions. His remarkable tally includes 14 World Championships titles, with victories in both singles and team events. He has also claimed 11 World Cup gold medals throughout his career, demonstrating remarkable consistency at the highest level. His supremacy in the sport is further highlighted by his record-breaking reign as world number one, maintaining the top position in the world rankings longer than any other player in history.
Upon receiving the award, Ma Long said: “It’s a great honour to receive this award and to be recognized by ANOC. This award represents not only my efforts but also those of the Chinese table tennis team. Four of my six Olympic gold medals came from the team event, which reflects our collective strength, and I am very grateful to my teammates.”
The ANOC Awards, established in 2014, celebrate the remarkable achievements of National Olympic Committees and their athletes. Ma Long’s recognition comes as a fitting tribute to a career that has inspired generations of players, both within China and internationally.
Ma Long’s influence extends beyond his personal achievements. As team captain, he has served as a mentor and inspiration to China’s next generation of players, including current world number one Wang Chuqin. His leadership and dedication to the sport have left an indelible mark on table tennis, making him a worthy recipient of this prestigious ANOC award.
The ANOC Outstanding Sporting Career Award honours Ma Long’s remarkable journey in table tennis – from his technical mastery and competitive spirit to his vital role as a mentor and ambassador for the sport. His legacy stands as an inspiration across national borders and generations. As he accepts this prestigious honour, Ma Long’s influence on table tennis continues to resonate worldwide, setting new standards of excellence and inspiring the next generation of players to elevate the sport to even greater heights.