On the evening of July 18th, Beijing time, Phoenix Satellite TV Group's \"17th Influential Chinese Awards Ceremony\" dazzled viewers. At this gathering of outstanding global Chinese figures, the Chinese Table Tennis Team proudly received the \"Influential Chinese Award.\" Head coach Li Sun represented the entire team on stage to accept the honor.
In the spotlight, Li Sun not only celebrated the team's achievements but also revealed for the first time the rigorous training behind Sun Yingsha's rise to world number one. \"From the beginning, every time Sun Yingsha missed, it meant running ten thousand meters, starting from her childhood,\" Li Sun disclosed in an interview. This strict training regime during the 2018 Asian Games preparation was crucial in molding Sun Yingsha into the dominant force she is today.
Reflecting on those early days, Li Sun pointed out that despite Sun Yingsha's initial success, she faced developmental challenges due to insufficient self-imposed training standards. This realization prompted Li Sun to implement rigorous measures, including the ten thousand-meter penalty for each miss during closed-door training in Macau.
These stern methods proved effective, as Li Sun observed, \"Sun Yingsha initially lacked self-imposed pressure, but with added team and coaching support, her progress has been remarkable.\" What started as punishing discipline has transformed a young athlete into a dominant force in women's table tennis.
The ceremony coincided with another triumphant season for the Chinese Table Tennis Team. Just days before the gala, the 2025 U.S. Grand Slam concluded in Las Vegas, where Wang Chuqin swept aside Japanese star Tomokazu Harimoto 4-0 in the men's singles final. Meanwhile, Zhu Yuling staged a thrilling comeback from 0-2 down to defeat Chen Yi, claiming her first Grand Slam women's singles title.
In total, China secured three titles and two runner-up positions at the U.S. Grand Slam, further cementing their dominance in international table tennis. Reflecting on Sun Yingsha's journey, Li Sun's stringent training methods in 2018 have been vindicated, shaping her into a true champion despite recent setbacks.
Li Sun's coaching philosophy, honed from nurturing champions like Wang Nan, Zhang Yining, and Li Xiaoxia, underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence. This approach has not only cultivated champions but also enhanced the team's global influence beyond medal counts, contributing significantly to the internationalization of table tennis.
The Chinese Table Tennis Team's receipt of the \"Influential Chinese Award\" marks another milestone, recognizing their social impact alongside their sporting achievements. Sharing the stage with other distinguished Chinese figures, they exemplify China's diverse global influence, transcending sports to become a source of pride for Chinese worldwide.
