Fan Zhendong Tipped for LA 2028 Return, But Olympic Champion Faces Tough Road Back
The possibility of Fan Zhendong returning to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles in 2028 remains very much alive, according to the head of world table tennis, but the path back to the Games will be anything but straightforward. The reigning Olympic champion has been encouraged to fight for another gold medal, yet international officials have made it clear that reputation alone will not secure him a place.
Petra Sorling, president of the International Table Tennis Federation, said she could envision Fan competing again at the Olympics, highlighting his extraordinary talent and past achievements. However, she stressed that the Chinese star would need to earn his spot through the established qualification system, just like any other player. Without a return to international competition, that process would remain closed to him.
Fan, widely regarded as one of the most dominant players of his generation, sent shockwaves through the sport late last year when he announced his withdrawal from the ITTF world rankings. The move effectively removed him from the international circuit, as ranking points play a central role in tournament entry and Olympic qualification. While Fan did not announce a formal retirement, his decision immediately raised questions about whether fans would ever see him compete on the global stage again.
Sorling was firm in her stance that Olympic participation cannot be guaranteed based on past success. She emphasized that the Games represent the highest level of competition and that all athletes must prove themselves through current performance. In her view, Fan’s legacy as an Olympic and world champion is secure, but any future Olympic appearance would depend on his willingness to re engage with the international calendar.
The situation places Fan at a crossroads. On one hand, his technical skill, mental strength, and big match experience suggest he could still be a formidable contender in 2028. On the other, stepping away from international events for an extended period makes any comeback significantly more challenging. Table tennis has continued to evolve, with younger players gaining experience and confidence on the world stage, particularly within China’s own deep and highly competitive talent pool.
Within the sport, opinions are divided. Some believe Fan’s withdrawal was a strategic move to manage physical and mental pressure after years at the top. Others see it as a sign that his focus may have shifted away from chasing further Olympic glory. What is clear is that a return would require commitment not only to training but also to regular participation in ITTF sanctioned events, where qualification points are earned.
For the ITTF, the issue also touches on fairness and credibility. Sorling has repeatedly underlined the importance of transparent rules that apply equally to all players, regardless of star status. Allowing any athlete a shortcut to the Olympics, she suggested, would undermine the integrity of the sport.
As Los Angeles 2028 slowly comes into view, Fan Zhendong’s future remains one of table tennis’s biggest unanswered questions. A comeback would undoubtedly electrify fans and raise the competitive level of the men’s field. Yet if he chooses that path, it will not be paved by past glory. It will demand a full return to international competition and the willingness to fight once more for his place at the very top.
