Fan Zhendong, a Chinese table tennis player from Haizhu district, Guangzhou, won the championship with his teammates in the table tennis men's team and men's doubles matches at the just-concluded Hangzhou Asian Games. He also claimed a silver medal in the men's singles event.

Fan hits a ping-pang ball to his opponent. [Photo/IC]

Fan did not come from a sports family, and his table tennis journey began at the children's palace in Haizhu district. In 2002, his mother introduced him to coaches Wen Haoguang and Yang Biyu, and a few years later, he entered the municipal sports school for further training.

During his training, Fan demonstrated both diligence and outstanding talent. In 2008, he caught the attention of both the Guangdong provincial team and the Bayi table tennis team, even though he was not yet 12 years old. In the end, he chose to join the Bayi table tennis team.

From practicing at the children's palace to accumulating numerous table tennis tournament championships, Fan has always adhered to the belief of "never let the ball touch the ground and never give up," overcoming difficulties time and time again in his quest toward the podium.