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
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.
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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“I did not expect the wrist injury worsened in Tokyo this time,” Zhu told Xinhua after the Toyko Games. “We must learn lessons, admit our shortcomings, and set off again”
Zhu’s performances at the Games led to much speculation online as to the reasons why and the 26-year-old responded to it by taking up a case with authorities in Shanghai. That case is ongoing.
After completing her post-Olympic quarantine Zhu has returned to Henan to see her family ahead of representing the province.
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It has been reported that the Henan sports authorities will assess whether Zhu is fit enough to play before risking her wrist.
Further reports that the 1.98-metre spiker will miss the FIVB World Volleyball Championships next year if it requires surgery.
