Former Japanese table tennis player Kasumi Ishikawa recently made a foray into the entertainment industry by appearing on the TBS variety show Sunday’s First Ear Learning. During the program, her former teammate Sayaka Hirano unexpectedly revealed the male athlete Ishikawa admired during her playing days: Chinese Olympic champion Ma Long, who has recently been appointed vice president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association. While rumors of her admiration for Ma Long had circulated before, this was the first time it was confirmed publicly.
In the segment “Interview with Hayashi Osamu,” Ishikawa video-called Hirano, who dropped the revelation: “During our time as athletes, there was a Chinese player—Ma Long, an Olympic champion. Many players admired him, and Kasumi used to say, ‘So handsome! So handsome!’”
Hirano also recalled a moment when Ishikawa excitedly said, “Miss Hirano, I just rode the same elevator with Ma Long!” At the time, Hirano encouraged her, saying, “You speak Chinese, go talk to him!” But Ishikawa bashfully responded, “No, no... I can’t.”
When Hirano noted that she didn’t say a single word to Ma Long, Ishikawa explained, “That’s just how it was, because I was a fan.” Hirano laughed and teased, “Because you’re a fan!? Really!?” to which Ishikawa nervously replied, “It’s not like that at all… just admiration, that’s all.”
During the show, Hayashi also asked her, “Who did you root for during the 2016 Rio Olympics men’s singles semifinal between Jun Mizutani and Ma Long?” Ishikawa laughed and admitted, “I was cheering for both!”
Though the remarks were lighthearted, Ishikawa has since retired and now works as a sports journalist, frequently appearing on variety shows. She once expressed a desire to partner with Ma Long in mixed doubles, a wish that went unfulfilled before her retirement.
Ma Long has not yet announced his retirement. Now serving as vice president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, his focus has shifted toward management. However, he is still set to represent Beijing in the men's team event at the upcoming National Games in the Greater Bay Area. After that, he is expected to officially retire and devote himself to his administrative role, continuing to support China’s quest for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
