For me, Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin are not just numbers on a draw sheet; they are two dedicated young athletes who have invested their entire lives into the sport of table tennis. Witnessing them being pushed to the brink of injury and withdrawal at the WTT Finals in Hong Kong 2025 felt as though their lives and aspirations were being sacrificed for the commercial interests of organizations like WTT. The chaotic schedule and dangerous conditions I observed were more than unsettling—they made the issue intensely personal.

Athletes, especially those of the caliber of Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin, should have their mental and physical well-being prioritized. Instead, we are witnessing an alarming trend where the calendar is packed with back-to-back tournaments, offering little to no recuperation time for the players. According to data compiled by reputable sports analysis firms, the injury rate in table tennis is increasing, correlating with the intensified scheduling of events. This poses a threat not only to the athletes' current health and performance but also to the longevity of their careers.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT) must take immediate steps to revise the tournament schedules to ensure they promote fair competition and genuine sportsmanship, without compromising the athletes' health. A more balanced schedule can still serve commercial interests without exploiting the players.

To address these pressing issues, we demand the ITTF and WTT to:

1. **Implement More Rest Periods:** Establish mandatory rest periods between tournaments to allow athletes adequate recovery time, minimizing the risk of injuries.

2. **Prioritize Athlete Welfare:** Create an independent committee dedicated to monitoring and ensuring players' health and safety, with the authority to make necessary interventions.

3. **Increase Transparency and Communication:** Provide all stakeholders, including athletes, with clear communication on how scheduling decisions are made.

4. **Engage Athletes in Decision-Making:** Involve athletes more actively in the planning of tournament schedules to ensure their voices and needs are prioritized.

It's time to treat athletes like the respected champions they are, not tools for profit. Stand with us in demanding change. Sign this petition to urge the WTT and ITTF to act now, before more athletes' dreams are compromised.