He stepped down the podium once he was presented the token of appreciation from Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, even without enjoying the applause and respects from the audiences.

He talked for a while and felt tired to find a seat during an interview, although telling Xinhua that he still would like to be a short-term coach when he goes back to China. "Like attending China Table Tennis Super League," he laughed.

He said it was all about luck when Singapore female table tennis team, under his coaching, beat the powerful Chinese national team 3-1 in Moscow in 2010 to win the world championship.

The 71-year-old famous coach, Zhou Shusen, is such a modest and professional person who is down to earth as well.

"It was the most glorious four years all throughout my whole sport's career both as a player and a coach," Zhou said, naming the two medals during the London Olympic 2012, the women's doubles in ITTF World Tour Grand Finals 2012 won by Feng Tianwei and Yu Mengyu, etc.

Zhou has earlier decided not to renew his contract with Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) when it expires at the end of last year. The Chinese table tennis veteran, used to be the head coach of the Chinese women's national team and, later, head coach of a provincial team in China, has been the head coach of the Singapore women's national team since 2009.

He said the two bronze medals for Singapore team during London Olympics 2012 should be a satisfactory milestone for himself as a Chinese coach teaching overseas.

"I become older and older, and I should get back home to China now. It will never be possible for me to be a long-term coach, but in short-term, I would be glad to be a tutor." Zhou added.

On Friday night, Zhou was presented the token of appreciation during the Victory Celebration cum Fund Raising Dinner organized by the STTA, aiming at commemorating his efforts for Singapore table tennis team.

"We're very honoured to having Zhou here helping our Singapore team. During the previous four years, we have done a brilliant success. Last year, we also create a history with two medals in one Olympic Games, and both came from female table tennis. These successes have achieved both his faith and our Singaporeans' faith." Lee Bee Wah, President of the STTA, said.

"Zhou act like our players' father. He is so experienced that we should follow all he said. He has shared a lot of experiences with the players." Lee added.

The STTA has appointed Jing Junhong, a Chinese-born former national player of Singapore, as the new head coach of the women's national table tennis team. It has been about 17 years since Singapore had appointed a local national head coach last time.

Lee said they have done a lot of efforts to encourage more people playing table tennis. "It's very hard for us to train a top player since we have low population in this city-state. However, after years of efforts supporting by private sectors, the government and also more and more Singaporeans, we have a lot more young players now."

"A lot of children are now playing pingpang, and we believe we should also achieve a bright future in 2016." she added.

After the London Olympic, the core members of Singapore's female team, including Li Jiawei, Wang Yuegu and Sun Beibei all decided to retire, leaving only Feng Tianwei and Yu Mengyu. A lot of people worry about the sudden shortage of top players here.

"Feng has recently performed well. I hope a bright future for her." Zhou said to his favourite apprentice.

Feng also felt sorry for Zhou's leaving:"Zhou brought a lot of new ideas for us. He also let us grow up soon. I hope him healthy and happy when backing to China." Endi

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