SHANGHAI (SCMP): Chinese internet users were outraged after witnessing national table tennis Olympic champion Wang Chuqin being sidelined during a recent event sponsored by American beverage giant Coca-Cola.
The incident occurred at a Beijing marketing event on December 17, where a senior executive was observed moving Wang from a central stage position to the side, as reported by news portal Sohu.
Initially, Wang, dressed in Team China’s red uniform, along with actor Yang Yang and singer Wang Sulong, were on stage awaiting Coca-Cola executives to join them for a fireworks-lighting ceremony displayed on a large screen.
Yang is the company’s global brand spokesperson, while Wang Chuqin and Wang Sulong represent the brand in China.
When Jennifer Antczak, whose Chinese name is Shang Dexin, the chief marketing officer for the company’s Greater China and Mongolia region, approached the stage, she directed Wang Chuqin to switch positions with Yang, placing him slightly further from the centre of the stage.
This action sparked anger among many in China, who viewed the central position as a significant symbol for their idol.
“This boss is rude. Wang Chuqin is the pride of our country. He shouldn’t be treated like this,” expressed one online observer.
“It’s OK that China lacks Coca-Cola or entertainment stars, but China absolutely needs athletes who fight for her glory,” remarked another individual.
Some netizens called for boycotting the company’s products, with one person vowing, “I promise not to drink Coca-Cola for three years because of actions like this.”
Athlete Wang, 24, is highly regarded among top athletes in China. At the Paris Olympics this summer, he and his teammate Sun Yingsha secured the table tennis mixed doubles gold medal. Wang also played a pivotal role in China’s team event championship victory.
Despite the central position incident, Wang appeared unfazed, sharing photos from the Coca-Cola event on his Instagram and Weibo accounts.
“I met many new friends and had the opportunity to share many stories hidden deep in my heart. I was truly happy!” he wrote.
Over the years, Wang and Sun have teamed up to clinch the mixed doubles championship at numerous significant international competitions.
The mainland public admires the duo so much that many hope they are romantically involved, although there is no evidence to support this claim. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
