Basic Information

• Name: Liang Jingkun
• Date of Birth: October 20, 1996
• Birthplace: Tangshan, Hebei Province, China
• Nationality: Chinese
• Sports Rank: International Master of Sports
• Current Position: Vice Captain of the Chinese Men’s National Table Tennis Team
• Club: Shandong Weiqiao · Xiangshang Sports Table Tennis Club
• Education: Bachelor’s in Sports Training and Master’s in Business Administration from Tianjin University of Science and Technology (graduated June 2025)
• Academic Position: Associate Professor at the Physical Education Department, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Film Academy (appointed since 2023)
• Spouse: Xi Meili (young actress, graduated from Beijing Film Academy)

Early Life

Childhood Introduction

Liang Jingkun was born in Tangshan, Hebei Province. At age 5, due to being overweight, his family arranged for him to take up table tennis as a way to lose weight. He entered the Tangshan Municipal Sports School under coach Fan Yuming to practice table tennis. Initially, he didn’t like the sport, but as his results improved, he gradually fell in love with it.

Professional Beginnings

• 2007: Joined the Hebei Provincial Team
• February 2012: Selected for the Chinese National Table Tennis Team First Squad, embarking on his professional career
• August 2013: Won silver in men’s singles at the 2nd Asian Youth Games, losing 1-4 to Fan Zhendong in the final; in September, won the 19th Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships by defeating a Korean player 4-3 in a tough final; in December, scored two points in the World Junior Championships team final, helping China reverse Japan 3-2 to defend the title

Career Journey

Emerging Talent (2016-2019)

• 2016: In the Chinese Super League, his Bazhou Hairun Club finished as men’s team runners-up
• 2017: Ranked 5th with 8 wins and 5 losses in the 14-player round-robin tournament, qualifying for the final stage of the “Direct to World Championships” competition
• 2018:
  • June 9: Won mixed doubles at the ITTF Japan Open with Chen Xingtong
  • June 10: Finished as men’s doubles runners-up at the Japan Open with Zhou Kai
  • July 22: Won men’s singles runner-up at the ITTF Korea Open
  • August 29: Helped China win the men’s team gold at the Jakarta Asian Games
  • September 16: Won the National Table Tennis Championships men’s singles title
  • November 11: Won the ITTF World Tour Austrian Open men’s singles title, his first tour singles championship
• 2019:
  • January 19: Won Hungarian Open men’s doubles with Xu Xin
  • February 18: Won Portugal Challenge men’s singles title
  • March 3: Finished as runner-up in the national team’s direct selection tournament for the 2019 World Championships
  • June 9: Won Hong Kong Open men’s doubles with Lin Gaoyuan
  • August 2: Won National Table Tennis Championships men’s team title with Bayi Nanchang team
  • September 18: Won Asian Table Tennis Championships men’s team title with China
  • September 21: Won Asian Championships men’s doubles with Lin Gaoyuan
  • November 10: Won the Team World Cup men’s team title with China, earning his first world championship
  • November 17: Won Austrian Open men’s doubles title

Steady Progress (2020-2022)

• 2020:
  • August 14: Won the Chinese National Team Olympic Simulation Tournament men’s singles title
  • October 9: Finished as men’s doubles runners-up at the National Championships with Lin Gaoyuan
  • December: Finished as Chinese Super League men’s team runners-up with Shandong Weiqiao
• 2021:
  • July 14: Served as a sparring partner for the Tokyo Olympics table tennis events
  • September 21: Won bronze in men’s team at the 14th National Games with Hebei team
  • September 26: Defeated Wang Chuqin 3-0 to win bronze in men’s singles at the National Games
  • October 12: Won Chinese Super League men’s team title with Shandong Weiqiao, defeating Shandong Luneng 3-2
  • November 8: Won WTT Contender Slovenia Laško men’s singles title, defeating Glassmenko 4-0
  • November 15: Reversed Wang Chuqin 4-3 to win WTT Contender Slovenia Novo Mesto men’s singles title; world ranking rose to 9th
• 2022:
  • October 25: After a match with Lin Gaoyuan at the WTT Macau Champions, made an inappropriate celebration gesture by inserting his paddle into his shorts waistband, causing negative social impact. The Chinese Table Tennis Association disqualified him from subsequent international and domestic competitions in 2022, including the WTT World Cup Finals in Xinxiang, National Championships, Asian Cup, and Chinese Super League

Low Point and Rebirth (2022-2023)

During the suspension period, Liang experienced major life turning points. His marriage with wife Xi Meili faced crisis, his family fell apart, his career stalled, and his public reputation hit rock bottom. Many industry insiders believed his career would never recover.

However, Liang did not choose to sink into negativity or retire early. With family guidance, he confronted his mistakes and silently resolved to make amends and repair his broken life. Starting in 2023, his life situation showed clear improvement:

• May 2023: Spotted by passersby in Sanya traveling with family, holding his older son in one arm and younger son’s hand, accompanied by Xi Meili, with the couple appearing harmonious, leading to speculation they had reconciled
• September 2023: Held a belated wedding ceremony with Xi Meili at Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan, with national team friends like Ma Long and Xu Xin attending to offer blessings

With family relationships stabilized, Liang’s mindset underwent significant changes upon returning to training. Previously skilled at controlling favorable situations but prone to impatience in adverse conditions, he became increasingly steady and resilient after life’s trials.

Strong Comeback (2023-2025)

• 2023:
  • March 5: Won WTT Star Contender Goa men’s singles title
  • April 15: Finished as runner-up at WTT Xinxiang Champions
  • May: Won bronze at the Durban World Championships men’s singles, defeating Japanese player Tomokazu Harimoto 4-2
  • September 6: Won Asian Table Tennis Championships men’s team title with China, defeating Taiwan 3-0, securing qualification for the Paris Olympics men’s team event
  • September 9: Finished as mixed doubles runners-up at the Asian Championships with Qian Tianyi
  • September 26: Won men’s team gold at the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games with China, defeating South Korea 3-0
• 2024:
  • February 25: Won World Team Table Tennis Championships men’s team title with China
  • Won Incheon Champions, defeating Ma Long 4-3 in semifinals and Hugo Calderano 4-1 in the final
  • October 5: Won WTT China Smash men’s doubles title with Wang Chuqin
  • October 10: Won Asian Table Tennis Championships men’s team title with China
  • December 8: Won Chengdu ITTF Mixed Team World Cup with China
• 2025:
  • January 1: Won Chinese Super League men’s team title with Shandong Weiqiao · Xiangshang Sports, defeating Huangshi Base · Huaxin 3-0
  • May: Won bronze at Doha World Championships men’s singles
  • June 25: Graduated from Tianjin University of Science and Technology as an outstanding graduate representative, officially receiving his Master’s degree in Business Administration
  • October 15: Won Asian Table Tennis Championships men’s team title with China, defeating Hong Kong 3-0
  • December 7: Won Chengdu ITTF Mixed Team World Cup with China, achieving a three-peat

World Championships Glory (2026)

From April 28 to May 10, 2026, the 58th ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships were held in London, UK. This edition marked the centennial celebration of the World Championships, with the Chinese men’s team aiming for their 12th consecutive title.

Key Battles

May 9 – Men’s Team Semifinal: China vs France

Liang Jingkun played third, facing young French player Alexis Lebrun. He lost the first two sets 3-11 and 1-11, trailing 0-2. In the third set, tied at 13-13, Liang won two consecutive points to take it 15-13. In the fourth, tied at 10-10, he seized the opportunity to win 12-10. In the deciding set, he launched an 8-0 offensive surge, ultimately winning 11-2 to complete a remarkable comeback from 0-2 down, helping China defeat France 3-2 and advance to the final.

May 10 – Men’s Team Final: China vs Japan

At age 30, Liang opened the match against Japanese core player Tomokazu Harimoto. He started strong with a 5-1 lead in the first set but lost momentum mid-set, ultimately losing 8-11. In the second set, he remained passive throughout, losing 4-11, trailing 0-2. Japanese substitute players stood up waving towels in premature celebration, while online live chat questioned the lineup decision.

Facing external doubts and the opponent’s aggressive stance, Liang calmly adjusted tactics, no longer competing solely on attacking speed but relying on solid fundamentals and backhand spin to suppress the opponent’s rhythm. In the third set, tied at 9-9, he scored first with a hidden long serve and seized the opportunity on receive attack to win 11-9. In the fourth, tied at 11-11, he precisely captured his opponent’s errors to win 13-11, leveling the match at 2-2. In the deciding set, Harimoto quickly pulled ahead to 8-3, but Liang maintained composure, steadily adjusting rhythm and winning 8 consecutive points to ultimately take the set 11-8, completing another spectacular comeback from 0-2 down.

After the match, Liang calmly walked to the sidelines and acknowledged his coach without making flamboyant celebratory gestures. This comeback victory laid the foundation for China’s ultimate triumph. In the men’s team final, China defeated Japan 3-0 to successfully defend their title, claiming their 12th team championship trophy.

Liang completed comebacks from 0-2 deficits in crucial matches on two consecutive days at the World Championships, creating a rare record in World Team Championships history.

Technical Characteristics and Evaluation

Playing Style

Liang Jingkun has distinctive playing characteristics, with a robust physique and outstanding strength. His forehand and backhand are balanced, with strong rally capabilities. Netizens call him “the god controlling table tennis viewership ratings,” with some fans commenting: “Big Fat’s play not only torments coaches but also opponents—always giving them hope, then despair, making it unforgettable.”

Mental Transformation

After experiencing life’s many twists and turns, Liang’s inner strength became increasingly steady and resilient. Previously skilled at controlling favorable situations but prone to impatience when behind, he demonstrated powerful mental fortitude at the 2026 London World Championships, completing stunning comebacks in crucial matches on two consecutive days, directly laying the foundation for China’s championship.

Education and Academic Career

Academic Achievement

Liang Jingkun is one of the few active national team athletes with a master’s degree. He graduated from Tianjin University of Science and Technology on June 25, 2025, receiving his Master’s degree in Business Administration. At the graduation ceremony, he appeared as an outstanding graduate representative. The host specially introduced his glorious achievements as a table tennis world champion: “Student Liang Jingkun is a World Cup team champion and World Championships team champion winner, having won bronze in World Championships men’s singles three times… completing his studies while bringing glory to the country.”

University Teaching

Liang was appointed as an associate professor at the Physical Education Department of Beijing Film Academy in 2023, becoming the only currently active athlete-professor. During his teaching tenure, he balances intensive national team training and competition schedules with teaching responsibilities. As a Beijing Film Academy teacher, core national team member, and multiple-time world champion, he not only brings world-class table tennis perspectives to students but also actively supports the school’s sports development, enhancing students’ interest in sports and participation levels.

Family Life

Marriage Journey

In 2018, 22-year-old Liang met young actress Xi Meili, born in 1993, at a friend gathering. Xi graduated from Beijing Film Academy and appeared in works such as “Under the Power.” The couple quickly established their relationship, with Liang once embroidering Xi’s birthday on the inside of his training shoes as a romantic gesture.

They have two sons together. In 2022, following his suspension for inappropriate celebration gestures, their marriage faced crisis. After a long period of reflection, Liang confronted his mistakes and reconciled with his wife. In September 2023, they held a belated wedding ceremony at Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan, with friends like Ma Long and Xu Xin attending.

Family Role

Xi Meili completely withdrew from the entertainment industry to focus on caring for their two children and managing household affairs, allowing Liang to devote himself fully to training and competitions. When not competing, Liang spends time taking his children on outings and carefully attending to their daily needs. Many heartwarming moments have been recorded and shared by netizens, gradually changing public perception of him.

Major Honors

World Championships

• 2019 Team World Cup Men’s Team Champion
• 2022, 2024, 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships Men’s Team Champion
• 2018 Jakarta Asian Games Men’s Team Champion
• 2023, 2024, 2025 Asian Table Tennis Championships Men’s Team Champion
• 2023 19th Hangzhou Asian Games Men’s Team Champion
• 2024, 2025 Chengdu ITTF Mixed Team World Cup Champion

Individual Honors

• 2018 National Table Tennis Championships Men’s Singles Champion
• 2018 ITTF Austrian Open Men’s Singles Champion (first tour singles title)
• 2019 Portugal Challenge Men’s Singles Champion
• 2020 Chinese National Team Olympic Simulation Tournament Men’s Singles Champion
• 2021 WTT Slovenia Laško and Novo Mesto Men’s Singles Champion
• 2023 WTT Star Contender Goa Men’s Singles Champion
• 2023 WTT Xinxiang Champions Men’s Singles Runner-up
• 2023 Durban World Championships Men’s Singles Bronze
• 2024 Incheon Champions Men’s Singles Champion
• 2025 Doha World Championships Men’s Singles Bronze
• 2021 National Games Men’s Singles Bronze

Doubles Honors

• 2018 Japan Open Mixed Doubles Champion (with Chen Xingtong), Men’s Doubles Runner-up (with Zhou Kai)
• 2019 Hungarian Open Men’s Doubles Champion (with Xu Xin), Hong Kong Open Men’s Doubles Champion (with Lin Gaoyuan), Asian Championships Men’s Doubles Champion (with Lin Gaoyuan), Austrian Open Men’s Doubles Champion
• 2021 WTT Slovenia Laško Mixed Doubles Runner-up (with Liu Weishan), Novo Mesto Men’s Doubles Runner-up (with Wang Chuqin)
• 2023 WTT Zagreb Men’s Doubles Runner-up (with Lin Gaoyuan), Ljubljana Mixed Doubles Runner-up (with Qian Tianyi), Asian Championships Mixed Doubles Runner-up (with Qian Tianyi)
• 2024 WTT China Smash Men’s Doubles Champion (with Wang Chuqin)

Personal Traits

Over more than a decade of persistence and dedication, Liang Jingkun has earned countless honors. Behind each honor lies sweat poured day and night and unwavering determination. In just seven years, he experienced early marriage and parenthood, marital breakdown, career devastation, acknowledgment of mistakes, rebuilding his family, and rebirth on the court. At 30, he completely emerged from life’s low point, achieving a remarkable turnaround through superior skills and mature mentality, gaining widespread attention and recognition across the internet.

In an interview on CCTV’s “Sports Close-Up,” Liang stated that the 2026 London World Championships might be his last, hoping people would remember him as “a determined and passionate Liang Jingkun.”

On the court, he is a core national team member shouldering heavy responsibilities; off the court, he is a modest and humble son of Tangshan who cares deeply for his hometown. Spending most of his time in national team training camps, he rarely sees his family. Even during brief visits home, he maintains the discipline and simplicity of an athlete. Never forgetting the nurturing grace of his hometown, he sets aside his spotlight, showing no celebrity airs. He has used family visit time to visit local table tennis clubs, exchanging skills with fans and using his own experiences to encourage young table tennis players in his hometown to pursue their dreams.