China's table tennis team departed for Japan on Wednesday, 15 September 2026, targeting a clean sweep of all seven gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games — while simultaneously using the tournament as a generational proving ground ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28). The squad blends three reigning Olympic champions with seven Asian Games debutants, a deliberate succession strategy that team leadership says will shape the national programme through to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The Squad China Is Fielding

Olympic champions Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, and Wang Chuqin anchor the side, providing experience at the highest level. China won six table tennis gold medals at the 2023 Asian Games and is returning with a richer squad in terms of depth. Head coach Qin Zhijian described the dynamic between the veterans and newcomers as mutually reinforcing. 'The three Olympic champions pass on their experience to the seven young players, while the younger ones bring passion and drive to inspire the Olympic medalists,' Qin said.

Debutant Lin Shidong said his preparation had focused on adapting to the competition venue and match balls, with his physical condition steadily improving. 'I'm eager to hit top form at the Asian Games,' Lin said.

Sun Yingsha's Return From Injury

Sun Yingsha, who missed several recent international competitions due to injury, is back in contention and expressed relief at her fitness. 'I'm thrilled to be fit enough to compete, to run around on court without any worries,' she said. Competing at her third Asian Games, Sun set no specific individual target, saying simply: 'Whenever I step onto the court, I will give my all to win.' Her return is a significant boost to China's prospects across both singles and team events.

The Japan Threat

Host nation Japan is widely regarded as China's most formidable challenger at these Games. A new generation of Japanese players — including Sora Matsushima, Tomokazu Harimoto, and Miwa Harimoto — has emerged as a genuine force on both the men's and women's sides. The women's team rivalry has been particularly intense: China came from 2-1 down to beat Japan in the women's team final at each of the past two World Table Tennis Championships, underscoring how tight the contest has become.

China women's head coach Ma Lin acknowledged Japan's own successful generational transition. 'We have never underestimated Japan. We have analyzed Japanese players' playing styles and know exactly what we are up against,' Ma said. 'We need to stay vigilant, treat every ball seriously and hold ourselves to strict standards in training.'

Sun echoed that caution: 'We are closely matched. It all goes down to on-court performance and team cohesion. That counts most.'

LA28 and the Long Road to Brisbane

China men's head coach Wang Hao framed the Aichi-Nagoya Games as a 'midterm test' ahead of LA28 — an important competitive checkpoint for both established stars and the incoming generation. Men's captain Wang Chuqin called for mental resilience in pressure moments. 'We must hold firm to our belief in victory. We actively find ways to resolve difficulties, feed ourselves positive signals during play and free our minds mentally,' he said.

Head coach Qin placed the tournament in an even longer arc, saying the programme's development roadmap extends all the way to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. 'We must maintain a positive mindset, stand united, focus on our own work and keep growing stronger,' Qin said. Women's coach Ma was equally unequivocal about the team's ambitions at these Games: 'We will go all out to fight for every gold medal. Huge challenges lie ahead, yet we have full confidence. Whatever obstacles come our way, we will fight to win.'

With China's all-events sweep now the stated target, all eyes will be on whether the new generation can deliver when the pressure peaks in Aichi-Nagoya.