Chinese table tennis star Chen Tianyi (27) has announced her retirement and marriage in a surprise move that has captivated the sports world.
Chen once rose to No. 5 in the world rankings and was considered a top prospect in women’s table tennis, winning the 2023 National Table Tennis Championships. She announced her marriage in February and ended her playing career at the relatively young age of 26.
Since retiring, Chen has drawn even more attention with her next steps. She decided to open a table tennis club in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province — the hometown of her husband, Wang Chang — rather than settling in a major city. The move allows her to live near her in-laws while Wang is frequently away for national team duties.
Wang Chang is a key figure in Chinese men’s doubles badminton, forming the renowned “Liang-Wang” duo with Liang Weikeng. Together, they won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and remain a core part of the national team, traveling extensively for international competitions.
With Wang often away, Chen plans to settle in Ningbo to care for her parents-in-law. She is also launching a table tennis academy called “Tianyi Table Tennis Club”.
The couple registered their marriage in February 2026. Chen posted, “My birthday wish was to marry you, and it came true the moment I opened my eyes.” Wang responded, “The ring I chose after a long time symbolizes my true feelings.”
Chen also made headlines by confirming her admission to a doctoral program at Nanjing Normal University this year. Balancing retirement, marriage, education, business, and family, she has been praised as a “model for athletes’ second careers.”
