BUSAN, South Korea, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Transitioning from an Olympic champion to a leader of the governing body for table tennis in his country, Ryu Seung-min has distinctly felt the difference between the two roles.

"As an athlete, I focused solely on myself, adhering to my routines, schedules, physical condition, and mental state," he explained. Now, as co-chair of the Busan 2024 organizing committee and president of the Korea Table Tennis Association, Ryu finds little time for personal care.

From his office at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center, where the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals are taking place, the 2004 Athens Olympic Games men's singles gold medalist observes: "As a leader, I oversee every detail, large and small, which is a significant change."

SO FAR SO GOOD

It is the first time South Korea has hosted the World Table Tennis Championships, coinciding with the centenary of table tennis's introduction to the country.

Initially scheduled for 2020, the event was postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before being canceled. In May 2021, Busan bid again for the 2024 World Championships and was successful in November that year.

"So far, so good." Ryu commented on the organization. "Reuniting with many old friends, still competing or now coaching, and hearing their excellent feedback is a great honor. Everyone is offering positive and supportive messages for these Championships."

"Ticket sales have been smooth, with semifinal and final stages sold out," Ryu notes. "Yet, with several days remaining, we must remain diligent to prevent any negative impacts or issues."

Ryu also emphasizes the event's legacy in promoting table tennis locally, saying the city "will host various international events in the future, alongside investments in youth development and local infrastructure."

HIGH HOPES ON SOUTH KOREAN TEAM PERFORMANCE

As the curtain fell on the group stage and players are about to compete in the round of 16, Ryu expressed his high expectations for South Korean players.

"As an Olympic champion who has defeated some of China's strongest players, I see this as an excellent opportunity for our players. My expectations are high, aiming for champions in our country."

Despite his illustrious career, Ryu is cautious in offering advice to young players, noting the significant changes in thinking, mindset, and preparation levels. "They possess passion and ambition for these Championships, so I encourage them to pursue their goals," he states.

With the Paris Olympic Games approaching, Ryu aims for a gold medal in the mixed doubles, an event added to the Olympic program in Tokyo three years ago.

"Why not? Japan won the mixed doubles at Tokyo 2020. The energy from the World Table Tennis Championships in Busan, along with hosting a WTT event in Incheon next month, builds our expectation for a gold medal in Paris since 2004," he said.

MORE COLLABORATION WITH CHINA

Ryu expresses gratitude towards the Chinese Table Tennis Association for its openness and the opportunities provided to international players for training and learning. "The training camps in China and the sharing of techniques and systems represent a significant step by the Chinese Table Tennis Association to develop the sport globally."

"This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity for countries and member associations to learn from the Chinese model of table tennis skills. It's a great collaboration," he affirms.

Ryu attributes China's global dominance in table tennis to its infrastructure, investment, and systematic approach.

"Their focused training from a young age sets them apart. However, we aim to develop our model, considering our unique infrastructure, system, and environment. This is a challenge but crucial for nurturing future generations," he pointed.

Ryu is confident in the future development of table tennis worldwide. "The ITTF and WTT are working hard to elevate our sport to the world's number one. With a strong Asian and European market and 227 member associations, our collective effort will be key to developing table tennis in each country," Ryu concludes. Enditem

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