63-year-old Cai Zhenhua appeared in the commemoration of the World Table Tennis Championships, and was in the same frame with his former disciples, confessing that he was ashamed of Tianjin

The Tianjin World Table Tennis Championships 30 years ago were of milestone significance to the national table tennis team.

At that time, the Chinese men's table tennis team was in a trough and had missed the men's team championship for three consecutive World Table Tennis Championships. The Swedish team was in its heyday. In 1995, the 33-year-old young coach Cai Zhenhua made plans and led the Chinese team to defeat Sweden 3-2 in the men's team final of the Tianjin World Table Tennis Championships, regaining the Swethlin Cup that had been away for 8 years, shattering his opponent's dream of winning four consecutive championships!

In the end, the national table tennis team won all seven championships in the Tianjin World Table Tennis Championships and wrote a story about the world table tennis world at home!

On June 6, 2025, the 30th anniversary special exhibition of the 43rd World Table Tennis Championships was held at the Tianjin Sports Museum, and Cai Zhenhua returned to the place where the creation of the "Dream Team" of the national table tennis team began. At the scene, 63-year-old Cai Zhenhua affectionately reviewed his unforgettable experience in fighting in the Tianjin World Table Tennis Championships, and encouraged the younger generation of players to be brave enough to challenge themselves and contribute to the sustainable development of China's table tennis industry. He pointed out that although the national table tennis team faced tremendous pressure during the Tianjin World Table Tennis Championships, all the players united and fought tenaciously, and finally won the victory.

"Tianjin World Table Tennis Championships is the biggest turning point in my life, such as from head coach to head coach, and later to management positions. I am very grateful to Tianjin." Cai Zhenhua said.

In the 1995 Chinese men's team champion lineup, Ma Wenge was born and raised in Tianjin. Cai Zhenhua withstood the pressure and used him again. He did not disappoint his expectations and became a good story in the table tennis world. The far right is the special exhibition of Ma Wenjie at the 30th anniversary of the World Table Tennis Championships. Ma Wenjie also talked about his unforgettable experiences and insights in the World Table Tennis Championships, and expressed his sincere love for the table tennis career.

Cai Zhenhua said that he felt a little ashamed of Tianjin because the Tianjin team did not produce too many talents except for famous players such as Ma Wenge and Li Nan. With such a good table tennis atmosphere in Tianjin, more excellent table tennis players should emerge.

(Mishe Sports)