Peking University, March 29, 2022: On the evening of March 17, 2022, Peking University (PKU) held the "Champions’ Lecture", where Ding Ning was invited to deliver the lecture. She is a graduate student from the PKU Department of Physical Education and Research of Peking University and is a table tennis grand slam paddler.
PKU Champions’ Lecture
"I hope that by sharing my experience, I can bring all of you some ideas which may help you when you encounter some problems in the future," Ding Ning’s opening address was greeted with warm applause by the audience.
Ding Ning sharing her experiences
She reflected on her loss at the 2010 World Table Tennis Championships and her setbacks during the 2012 London Olympics. In the four years preceding the 2016 Rio Olympics, , she thought that the additional opportunity was a gift from the heavens and wholeheartedly wanted to play every match well." Suffering and pain from her various setbacks gave Ding Ning a matured and strong heart to embrace the championship later on.
Students paying close attention
Looking ahead, Ding Ning believes that she needs to broaden her horizons and deepen her understanding of table tennis, championships and life in order to continue progressing in life. After retiring from table tennis, Ding Ning entered PKU as a graduate student in September last year. She constantly steps out of her comfort zone and explores the various possibilities in life. At the end of the lecture, she shared with the audience that "Life is more than victory and defeat". In the question and answer session Ding Ning believes that we need to truly understand ourselves, relax adequately and set off when we feel well-prepared in order to keep our composure under stress. Ding Ning believes that our biggest enemy is ourselves and adversity gives a person an opportunity to breakthrough. She also explained that her main motivation of coming to PKU is to improve herself and to learn from everyone on campus to enrich her life.
A student posing a question to Ding Ning
When faced with confusion in life, Ding Ning believes that making a choice and facing the challenge head on are both important. The most important thing after that is to take responsibility for your own choice.
Ding Ning playing table tennis with the students
In this lecture, Ding Ning recalled her journey in the face of setbacks and her thoughts on life. We are confident that her experiences will bring great courage and strength to the students during adversity.
Written by: See Tian Ai
Edited by: Ng Joong Hwee
