One year ago today, history was made at South Paris Arena 4 as table tennis crowned its first Olympic champions of Paris 2024. In front of a packed arena that included IOC President Thomas Bach, the mixed doubles competition delivered the drama, emotion, and sporting excellence that only the Olympics can provide – culminating in a moment of ping pong diplomacy that reminded the world of sport’s unifying power.
Golden Moments for China
China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha etched their names into Olympic history, claiming the mixed doubles gold medal with a thrilling 4-2 victory over PRK’s Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong. The match was an absolute epic – a back-and-forth battle that showcased the very best of table tennis at its highest level.
Making his Olympic debut, Wang Chuqin proved he belonged on the biggest stage, whilst Sun Yingsha added to her growing collection of accolades. Together, they secured China’s first-ever Olympic mixed doubles gold medal – redemption after their unexpected defeat at Tokyo 2020 where Japan claimed the top spot. This victory completed China’s collection of golds in every table tennis event.
PRK’s Stunning Silver Success
In one of the most unexpected and heartwarming stories of Paris 2024, the unseeded duo of Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong from Democratic People’s Republic of Korea captured a remarkable silver medal. Their incredible journey included a stunning victory over the second-seeded Japanese pair Hina Hayata and Tomokazu Harimoto, sending shockwaves through the tournament.
This silver medal marked PRK’s first Olympic podium finish since Rio 2016, making their achievement all the more special. The pair’s composure under pressure and fearless play against higher-seeded opponents epitomised the Olympic spirit and proved that anything is possible on sport’s biggest stage.
Korean Republic’s Bronze Brilliance
Korea Republic’s Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yubin provided their own slice of magic, claiming the bronze medal with a commanding 4-0 victory over Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem. The Korean pair were simply unstoppable, displaying exceptional form when it mattered most to secure their place on the Olympic podium.
The Selfie That Broke the Internet
But perhaps the most powerful moment of the day came after the medals were presented. Both Korean teams – PRK’s silver medallists and Korea Republic’s bronze winners – shared the Olympic podium and took a selfie together that quickly went viral around the world. The image became an instant symbol of sport’s ability to transcend political boundaries, embodying the true spirit of ping pong diplomacy that has long been associated with table tennis.
More Action on the Singles Stage
The day wasn’t just about medals. The singles competitions continued to provide their own thrills, with upsets and comebacks galore. World No. 168 Pyon Song Gyong stunned 11th seed Nina Mittelham in a seven-game thriller, whilst defending champion Chen Meng began her title defence with a hard-fought victory over Sweden’s Linda Bergstrom.
Six-time Olympic medallist Dimitrij Ovtcharov continued his pursuit of a seventh medal with a convincing victory, setting up a mouth-watering clash with French favourite Felix Lebrun in the Round of 16.
A Day to Remember
As the medals were presented and the anthems played, one thing was clear – Paris 2024 table tennis had announced itself in spectacular fashion. The first medals of the tournament had been decided in style, but more importantly, the sport had delivered moments that transcended competition itself.
The champions celebrated, the crowd erupted, and that viral selfie reminded everyone watching that sport, at its best, can bring people together in ways that nothing else can. One year on, those golden moments – both on and off the podium – still shine as brightly as ever.
