Chinese Players Refuse Medal After Japan Flag Displayed at Table Tennis Ceremony
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chinese table tennis players Wen Ruibo and Yuan Lizen refused to accept their silver medals during the men's doubles award ceremony at the 2026 Asian Table Tennis Championships in Uzbekistan after the display screen erroneously showed Japan's flag instead of China's. The pair stepped off the podium in protest before organizers corrected the error and allowed the ceremony to proceed. The gold medal was won by their compatriots Lin Shidong and Huang Youzheng, while Hong Kong's Wong Chun Ting and Chen Hao Hua took bronze.
Key Points
- The incident occurred on October 25 during the men's doubles medal ceremony at the Asian Table Tennis Championships held in Uzbekistan
- The screen behind the medalists displayed Japan's flag and the word "JAPAN" when Wen Ruibo and Yuan Lizen were set to receive silver
- Wen Ruibo noticed the error, gestured with open palms showing dissatisfaction, and both players stepped down from the podium
- Lin Shidong and Huang Youzheng secured gold with a 3-1 sets victory over their compatriots
- Hong Kong's Wong Chun Ting and Chen Hao Hua, along with Singapore's Feng Yaoben and Guo Yong, earned bronze medals
- Organizers quickly replaced the Japanese flag with the official tournament background, after which the Chinese pair returned to complete the ceremony
Why It Matters
The diplomatic incident underscores the heightened sensitivity around national symbols in international sporting events, particularly involving China and Japan. The quick resolution by organizers prevented further escalation, but the incident highlights the need for meticulous attention to protocol at major competitions.
The diplomatic incident underscores the heightened sensitivity around national symbols in international sporting events, particularly involving China and Japan. The quick resolution by organizers prevented further escalation, but the incident highlights the need for meticulous attention to protocol at major competitions.