Ni Xia Lian
-2 
Luxembourg
-2
Luxembourg
Ni Xia Lian is a name that resonates strongly in the world of table tennis. With an international career that spans several decades, Ni Xia Lian has established herself as one of the most accomplished and highly respected players in the game. Throughout her career, Ni Xia Lian has gained a reputation for her agility, speed, and strategic play. She is also known for her resilience and determination, having overcome several obstacles throughout her career. In this player profile, we'll delve deeper into Ni Xia Lian's background, training, and impressive accomplishments on the table tennis circuit.
Quick Facts
Biography
Chinese-born table tennis player Ni Xia Lian has played for Luxembourg since 1991. Ni, who was born in Shanghai, China, on July 4, 1963, has distinguished herself in the game of table tennis. At the World Table Tennis Championships in 1983, she helped China win gold in the team and mixed doubles competitions. Then, in 1989, she relocated to Germany before settling in Luxembourg. Ni has participated in many international contests, including the 2008 Summer Olympics and the Olympics in 2016 and 2012. Ni became the oldest player to compete in the Olympics regardless of her age in 2020's Summer Olympics.
Career
Ni Xia Lian has had a lengthy and successful career in table tennis, starting with the gold medals she won for China in the mixed doubles and team events at the World Table Tennis Championships of 1983. In 1989, after coming to Germany, she began competing on behalf of Germany internationally. Ariel Hsing, a young American, defeated her 4-2 in the London Games' second round. Ni played for Luxembourg in Rio de Janeiro's 2016 Summer Olympics, losing to Singapore's Feng Tianwei 4-2 in the third round. We've also discussed many fascinating things about this player; look through Feng Tianwei's profile.
Ni Xia Lian carried the Luxembourg flag during the 2016 Olympic closing ceremony. She made history as the oldest Olympian table tennis player after qualifying for 2020's Summer Olympics at age 58. At the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships, Ni and Sarah de Nutte won the women's doubles competition bronze for Luxembourg.
Playing Style
Ni Xia Lian is known for her unique penhold grip style of play in the left hand. Ni uses TSP Curl long rubber pip. If you want to use similar equipment, check out reviews of the best long pips rubbers. So with the penhold grip and proper equipment, she makes fast and controlled wrist movements. For Ni, the grip has proven particularly effective in allowing her to execute powerful forehand shots.
Achievements
Ni has played for Luxembourg for over 30 years, won numerous medals, and achieved significant milestones in her career. Here is a closer look at Ni Xia Lian's achievements throughout her career.
European Table Tennis Championships
During her career, Ni has participated in several European Table Tennis Championships. Let's take a look at some of her performances at these events.
- European Table Tennis Championship (1998): She won the gold medal in the women's singles competition.
- European Table Tennis Championships (2000): She won the silver medal with Regenwetter Peggy in the women's doubles event.
- European Table Tennis Championships (2002): She won the women's singles event gold medal.
- European Table Tennis Championships (2007): She won the women's singles event silver medal.
- Liebherr 2018 ITTF European Championships: Ni won the bronze medal with De Nutte Sarah in the women's doubles event.
- European Championships (2022): Ni Xia Lian won the bronze medal with De Nutte Sarah in the women's doubles event.
World Table Tennis Championships
Ni Xia Lian has competed in numerous World Table Tennis Championships, representing China and Luxembourg. Here's a breakdown of her performances in these events.
- World Table Tennis Championships of 1983: She represented China in the women's team competition and won a bronze medal in the women's doubles event, a gold medal in the mixed doubles event, and a gold medal.
- World Table Tennis Championships of 1985: She represented China and won a silver medal in the women's doubles event.
- World Table Tennis Championships of 2021: She represented Luxembourg and won a bronze medal in the women's doubles event.
Olympic Games
Ni Xia Lian has achieved great success and won significant medals as a professional table tennis player. This section will delve into her impressive Olympic achievements, highlighting her significant contributions to the sport.
- Beijing Summer Olympics (2008): Ni Xia Lian represented Luxembourg and made it to round three in the singles event.
- London Summer Olympics (2012): Ni Xia Lian represented Luxembourg and qualified for the Women's singles competition. United States Ariel Hsing beat her in round two of the game.
- Rio Summer Olympics (2016): Playing in the event's women's singles, She represented Luxembourg and was defeated in round three.
- Tokyo Summer Olympics (2020): Her participation in this event earned her the status of the oldest Olympian table tennis player. She represented Luxembourg.
Ni Xia Lian’s Rankings
Ni Xia Lian has been ranked as high as sixth in the world in women's singles, achieving this on May 25, 1985.
Net Worth and Income
Ni Xia Lian's net worth is not publicly available. However, as a former top-ranked table tennis player, she has earned income from tournament winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements throughout her career.
Personal Life
Off the court, Ni Xia Lian is known for her strong work ethic, discipline, and humble personality. Ni is married to Tommy Danielsson, her coach and training partner.
Social Media
Ni Xia Lian is active on social media, with a significant following on Instagram. She often shares updates about her training, competitions, and personal life with her fans. However, fans can find some of her matches and highlights on YouTube.
Ni Xia Lian Equipment
Videos
Final Thoughts
Ni Xia Lian is a true legend of table tennis, with a career that has spanned decades and taken her all over the world. With her skill and determination, she has become one of the most successful players in the sport's history, achieving multiple medals and high rankings throughout her career. Her dedication and passion for the game continue to inspire fans and players around the world. Xia Lian Ni's impact on table tennis cannot be overstated, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players to strive for excellence.