Table tennis star Tie Yana determined to lead the next generation of Hong Kong players to glory
The 38-year-old will be a notable absentee at the Worlds in Sweden as she takes on a new role as coach
Long-serving table tennis star Tie Yana is hoping her new role as coach will help make up for the disappointment of losing out on an Olympic Games medal, the only silverware missing from a glorious career.
The former mainlander, who came to Hong Kong in 2002 and immediately made an impact by capturing a mixed doubles gold medal with Cheung Yuk at the Busan Asian Games the same year, has just begun her new role as coach at the Hang Seng Table Tennis Academy.
She is lending her vast experience to the next generation of local stars, who she hopes will also do Hong Kong proud on the international stage.
“The women’s team is doing pretty good at the moment. I am a bit too old to be considered for international duty and the other Hong Kong players should take up the responsibility,” said Tie, who turns 39 next month and is considered the most successful Hong Kong table tennis player ever.
“Looking back, I could not have asked for more as a player; coming over to Hong Kong where I have since been given plenty of opportunities at international level. I have won medals at most big events, the World Championships, Asian Games, World Cup and Asian Championships.