Fans question injured volleyball star Zhu Ting playing at the China National Games

Chinese women’s volleyball star struggled with wrist injury in Tokyo as Rio 2016 champions crashed out

Discussion rages after reports that she will play for Henan province in next month’s tournament

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Star player Zhu Ting of China reacts during the women's preliminary round pool B volleyball match between China and the Russian Olympic Committee at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 1:20pm, 31 Aug 2021Updated: 1:20pm, 31 Aug 2021

Chinese women’s volleyball star Zhu Ting has been confirmed as taking part in the upcoming China National Games next month though fans have questioned whether she should play as she recovers from injury.

Reports in the Chinese media confirmed that Zhu – who was China’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games – will play for Henan province at the Games in Xi’an, with the volleyball section set to begin in mid-September.

Fans have responded by questioning the decision as Zhu has been carrying a wrist injury that flared up again at the Tokyo tournament where defending champions China were knocked out at the group stage.

They argue that she should undergo surgery as soon as possible rather than play, with some fans discussing the impact of the decision on China’s hopes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Zhu spikes during the women's volleyball match between China and the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo: Xinhua

China lost their opening three matches in Tokyo to Turkey, the USA and the Russian Olympic Committee as Zhu was far from her best. She sat out the dead rubbers against Italy and Argentina.

Coach Lang Ping, who has since retired from the national team, said that Zhu’s injury was much worse than previously thought and that is why the Rio 2016 MVP struggled for form in Tokyo.

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