- Joined
- Jun 17, 2020
- Messages
- 15,482
- Points
- 113
Tomokazu Harimoto silences hate-filled Chinese crowd with comeback victory after being deliberately targeted at World Cup
Tomokazu Harimoto, Japan’s top table tennis star and former world No. 3, was the youngest-ever winner of the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals.
Yet at the Mixed Team World Cup in China, his name was the only one intentionally skipped during player introductions.
Then during his singles match, the crowd erupted with hateful shouts like “Anyone cheering for Japan should die!” and even applauded the abuse.
Harimoto is fluent in Mandarin, so everyone in the arena knew he understood every word of their hostility.
Instead of breaking, he stayed ice-cold and focused.
He fought back from behind and delivered a comeback win that stunned the same crowd that tried to humiliate him.
It was a powerful moment showing that mental strength beats hate every time.
Tomokazu Harimoto, Japan’s top table tennis star and former world No. 3, was the youngest-ever winner of the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals.
Yet at the Mixed Team World Cup in China, his name was the only one intentionally skipped during player introductions.
Then during his singles match, the crowd erupted with hateful shouts like “Anyone cheering for Japan should die!” and even applauded the abuse.
Harimoto is fluent in Mandarin, so everyone in the arena knew he understood every word of their hostility.
Instead of breaking, he stayed ice-cold and focused.
He fought back from behind and delivered a comeback win that stunned the same crowd that tried to humiliate him.
It was a powerful moment showing that mental strength beats hate every time.
