So Gentle! Macron Suddenly Calls Out ‘Shasha,’ Leaving Sun Yingsha Flustered — and Full of Praise: ‘She’s Truly Incredible’

French President Emmanuel Macron recently shared a warm and lively interaction with China’s national table tennis team during their participation in the Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu, even affectionately calling Sun Yingsha by her nickname, “Shasha.”

On the afternoon of December 5, Macron visited the venue accompanied by ITTF President Petra Sorin and Chinese Table Tennis Association President Wang Liqin. During the meet-and-greet session with both the French and Chinese squads, Wang Liqin introduced each member of Team China. When he reached Sun Yingsha, he highlighted her credentials with pride: “Sun Yingsha, Olympic champion and current world No. 1.” Macron shook hands with Sun Yingsha and praised her warmly, saying, “She’s incredible—already a multiple world champion.”

Macron later stepped onto the court for a friendly exchange. He first paired up with France’s Félix Lebrun to take on China’s Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong in men’s doubles. He then joined French women’s player Prithika Pavade in a mixed doubles session against Olympic champions Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin, creating an atmosphere that was both competitive and full of goodwill.

After the rally sessions, Macron and Wang Chuqin shared a friendly handshake, with Wang giving him a light tap on the arm. Just as the moment settled, Macron suddenly called out, “Shasha!” in an unexpectedly gentle tone. Caught off guard from the corner of the court, Sun Yingsha appeared briefly flustered as the room filled with amused smiles. The visit concluded with Macron, Wang Liqin, Sorin, and players from both teams gathering for a group photo to commemorate this warm and memorable exchange.