China
Coach: personalities wanted
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-31 09:49
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But the coach is also cautious about the star effect in a sport that is regarded as the embodiment of China's national and team spirit, saying the players must also respect the game's traditions.
"We can't overuse the star effect. China's table tennis team has a tradition of collectivism and team spirit. We have never advocated individualism and we will not in the future," Liu said.
The coach's move, however, has drawn criticism from other leading officials who have called his comments "overhasty and off target".
"I think every athlete has his own style. Deng Yaping kept sending a ruthless message through eye contact while Wang Nan looks more amiable. Zhang Yining always remains calm and cold," Xu Yinsheng, former president of the World Table Tennis Association and Chinese Table Tennis Association, told China Daily.
"It's the style they grow with and play with, you just cannot judge it."
Instead, Xu said Chinese players should simply learn how to act professionally.
"How to respond to the fans and deal with the media are basic qualities required of a pro. Those who keep answering questions with the same few words and fail to deliver a bright image are not well-rounded champions," the 71-year-old said.
"Our athletes should be more open to the reporters and players from other countries. It will help improve our image and promote the sport worldwide."
CCTV anchor Bai Yansong has been brought in to coach the elite players in communication skills. English lessons have also been added to training sessions.
Training in schools is also emulating the shift.
"We are emphasizing learning English at school. I don't want the next generation to be mere winning machines but well-spoken and attractive individuals," Cao Yanhua, principal of a Shanghai-based table tennis academy which has more than 200 students, told China Daily.
Cao, 47, was a seven-time world champion in the 1980s, however, she says she suffered a lot for "having too much personality".
"At that time, you could win but you'd better not talk too much. We were asked to keep a low profile," Cao said. "I admire unique personalities but, you know, qiang da chu tou niao (which means the leading bird got shot). I always got criticized for wearing fashionable clothes or having a new hairdo.
"I envy the girls nowadays. They are encouraged to wear skirts in their matches. It was impossible 20 years ago," she said. "But I heard some are reluctant to do that in fear of inconvenience. They should know it's not only about themselves but the sport. If no one watches the game in the future, then what can they fight for?"
