China News Service, Beijing, June 26th. Luxembourg recently held a National Day celebration. Eight people with outstanding contributions, including Chinese table tennis player Ni Xialian, were awarded the Luxembourg Government Commendation Medal.
Photo courtesy of Ni Xialian
After 30 years of sojourn, Ni Xialian has represented Luxembourg in the Olympic Games 5 times, and has won the podium in the World Table Tennis Championships, creating the history of table tennis in Luxembourg.
According to reports, this time Ni Xialian was awarded the "Chavenlier" Medal (Oak Crown Medal) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Luxembourg's sports career.
In the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships held in November last year, Ni Xialian and Denut passed all the way and finally won the bronze medal in women's doubles.
This is not only the 58-year-old Ni Xialian who won the World Table Tennis Championships medal again after a lapse of 36 years, but also the first women's medal in the history of Luxembourg in the World Table Tennis Championships.
Data map: On November 24, 2021 local time, 58-year-old Luxembourg table tennis player Ni Xialian competes in the women's singles match at the World Table Tennis Championships in Houston.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Liu Guanguan
According to reports, Ni Xialian is the first Chinese person in Luxembourg to be honored.
She used table tennis to draw a magnificent arc between the two peoples and built a bridge of friendship.
In May of this year, the French version of Ni Xialian's biography "A Godsend" came out. The Prime Minister of Luxembourg praised Ni Xialian as a unique and great athlete in the preface.
On the road of life, Ni Xialian has accomplished many breakthroughs.
But in the face of praise, she still maintains a normal heart.
Regarding whether she will play in the Paris Olympics, Ni Xialian admitted frankly that if her physical condition allows, she will continue.
"If you win, everyone is happy; if you lose, it's an overseas trip." Talking about the reason for insisting, Ni Xialian said: "Because in Luxembourg, Ni Xialian represents the Chinese." (End)