Chinese table tennis star Sun Yingsha warns fans against organising birthday events

Chinese table tennis star Sun Yingsha has warned fans against organising any birthday celebrations ahead of her turning 26 years old, calling on supporters to redirect their attention to the court.

In recent years, supporters of prominent Chinese athletes have increasingly mirrored the entertainment industry’s so-called “fan circles” by organising lavish tributes, including commercial LED billboard campaigns in city centres, charity drives, offline promotional displays and drone light...