(Guangzhou, November 16) Prior to the victory ceremony for the women's team final of the ongoing Asian Games in Guangzhou on the afternoon of November 16, 68-year-old former president of the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) Li Furong was awarded the title of Honorary Life President of the ATTU by his successor Cai Zhenhua, President of the ATTU and Vice Minister in charge of the General Administration of Sport of China.

Li, three-time winner of the men's team title at World Table Tennis Championships and runner-up in the men's singles at the 1961 world fixture in Beijing, was recognized as an outstanding representative of the "golden generation" of China's table tennis. As a coach during the late 1970s and early 1980s, he contributed greatly to bringing up the second golden generation in table tennis for China, leading the Chinese men's team to World Championships titles for as many as four times.

Li Furong was elected President of the Asian Table Tennis Union in 2001. Cai Zhenhua succeeded to his post after the ATTU Congress Meeting held in Lucknow, India on November 18, 2009. (Photos China Sports Online/An Lingjun)

Li Furong shaking hands with his successor Cai Zhenhua.

Li Furong award title of the Honorary Life President of the ATTU.

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