What is next for Ma Lin?

A lot were saddened by the news that Ma Lin won't be playing in the London Olympic Games since it is a sign that the veteran has now fewer opportunities. However, this is still not the end for Ma Lin as he has several options on what direction would his career be going. As a brilliant player himself, Ma Lin can still stay active in the sport despite challenges. If he wishes to retire, he can assume a coaching position just like Liu Guoliang and some others. If he doesn't want to be a coach, then he could be into politics.    

In the recent World Championships in Dortmund, all fans of the Chinese Men Team rejoiced after they won the championship title for the sixth consecutive time. However, while they were rejoicing, some were concerned when Ma Lin did not appear in the finals against Germany. 

A lot have speculated that it would be a sign for what will happen to the Olympic champion in London. Sure enough, days after the end of the World Championships, Liu Guoliang revealed that Ma Lin will not participate in the upcoming Olympic Games. The question now is what would happen to the Olympic champion? There could be three possible answers to this question.

First is that Ma Lin will continue to be active in table tennis. Passionate, courageous and undomitable are the direct impression Ma Lin gives to the people. With this kind of character, it is not hard to imagine that Ma Lin will certainly not bow down to difficulties so quickly. Throughout his career, Ma Lin has encountered a number of ups and downs. He encountered difficulties in achieving some of the highest titles in the world. 

However, with his strong determination, Ma Lin has survived and finally shown himself to everyone that he can achieve his Olympic dream. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Ma Lin defeated his compatriot Wang Hao and was eventually proclaimed as the Olympic Singles champion. Despite missing his chance to be in London, Ma Lin still has the stamina and the drive to perform inside the arena. So just like some notable veterans, Ma Lin can be expected to stay active in the National Team. Besides, the current team still needs a leader material and as of now, Ma Lin has it. 

Second is that Ma Lin will assume coaching position. Being a coach is a common ground for retired famous players. In every sport in China, some of their former National players did enter the world of coaching. Specifically in table tennis, deputy general Cai Zhenhua, along with men team head coach Liu Guoliang and women team head coach Shi Zhihao are just some of the notable examples of players-turned-coaches.

Ma Lin is one of the few players in the Chinese Team to have the passion and the mind for table tennis. In addition, Ma Lin also has the potential to be an outstanding trainer and being a coach after retiring is a big possibility. Coach Yang Shenlei even said that as a pen-hold grip player, Ma Lin can become a really good coach and can create achievements as well just like Cai Zhenhua and Liu Guoliang. 

Third is that Ma Lin can go into politics. Just like being a coach, politics can also be a common place for retired athletes. After retirement, if Ma Lin decides not to go into coaching, local sports authorities will certainly give him a position within the Table Tennis and Badminton Association - a deputy director perhaps. Just like Wang Liqin who is already in the Shanghai Table Tennis Association since last year even though he is still not retired. With this to consider, Ma Lin being in this field is also a possibility with his love for the sport and the charisma he has on people. 

So dear readers, among these three options, what road do you want Ma Lin should take now that his opportunities became fewer? Continue to be active in the sport, be a coach or go to politics?