34 Famous Table Tennis Players in Romania of All Time

Tom Clarke

Romania is home to some of the best table tennis players in the world. Romania’s table tennis players have won numerous international competitions and tournaments, including the Olympic Games, the World Table Tennis Championships, and the European Table Tennis Championships.

Romania’s top table tennis players have been among the world’s best for decades, and the country has a rich history of producing some of the finest table tennis talent in the world.

This article will provide an overview of some of the greatest table tennis players to ever come out of Romania.

1. Ovidiu Ionescu

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Ovidiu George Ionescu is a professional table tennis player from Romania who is currently playing for two teams. He plays for Post SV Mühlhausen and SCM Gloria Buzău. Ovidiu has been playing table tennis since a young age and has since developed a passion for the sport.

He has competed in numerous competitions and tournaments across Romania and Europe, showing his skills and dedication to the sport. Ovidiu is highly respected in the table tennis community for his skill and sportsmanship.

He is a role model for aspiring players and an example of how far hard work and dedication can take someone.

2. Hunor Szőcs

Hunor Janos Szőcs is a Romanian professional table tennis player. He first started playing table tennis in his hometown of Târgu-Mureș when he was younger.

At the age of 14, he was transferred to Csm-Lps Bistrița, a city with an Olympic Center that was built to train the boys’ national team. The Olympic Center was a great opportunity for Szőcs, allowing him to be trained by some of the best table tennis coaches in the country.

He was able to develop his skills and become a professional table tennis player. Szőcs is now able to compete at the highest level and has become one of Romania’s best table tennis players.

3. Elizabeta Samara

Elizabeta Samara is an incredibly accomplished table tennis player from Romania. She has achieved tremendous success in European competitions, where she has won multiple titles in singles, doubles, and team events.

This success has earned her the honor of representing Romania in the Summer Olympics four times, an impressive feat for any athlete. Samara has been playing table tennis since childhood, and her hard work and dedication has paid off in the form of her numerous awards.

She is a highly respected player in the European table tennis community and is an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. Her accomplishments are proof that with hard work and dedication, anything can be achieved.

4. Bernadette Szőcs

Bernadette Cynthia Szőcs is a true champion in the world of table tennis. She is a professional Romanian player who has reached the pinnacle of success in her career, becoming the No. 12 ranked player in the world.

Her incredible talent and skill has earned her the acclaim of many in the sport, and her dedication and hard work has paid off. Her rise to the top of the ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary.

She has been training and competing since a young age, and her consistent success in tournaments has put her on the map. Her successes have not only earned her the respect of her peers but also the admiration of the fans.

She is truly an inspiration to budding table tennis players around the world, and her story is one of perseverance, determination, and success.

5. Angelica Rozeanu

Angelica Rozeanu was a Romanian table tennis player of Jewish origin. She is widely considered to be the most successful female table tennis player in the history of the sport, having won the women’s world singles title six years in a row.

This impressive feat is a testament to her dedication and skill in the sport. Rozeanu began playing table tennis when she was just twelve years old. She quickly rose to the top of the ranks, becoming the first European woman to win the World Table Tennis Championship in 1952.

She went on to defend her title for the next six years, becoming the first woman to win the championship multiple times.

Her dominance of the sport led to her being named the “Queen of Table Tennis”.Rozeanu’s successes in table tennis led to her being inducted into the International Table Tennis Federation Hall of Fame in 1996.

Her legacy lives on through her many achievements in the sport, inspiring generations of female table tennis players to follow in her footsteps.

6. Otilia Bădescu

Otilia Bădescu was born on October 31, 1970 in Bucharest, Romania. She is a former professional table tennis player who achieved great success in her sport. Otilia Bădescu achieved many accomplishments in her table tennis career.

She represented Romania at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, where she was part of the team that won the bronze medal in women’s team table tennis.

She also won multiple individual titles and was a major player in helping Romania win the team gold medal in the European Table Tennis Championships in 1991.

In addition to her success in competition, Otilia Bădescu also served as a coach for the Romanian national table tennis team from 1996 to 2002.

She has been credited with helping to develop the talents of many of Romania’s top players, including Olympic champion Elizabeta Samara. Otilia Bădescu’s legacy in table tennis remains strong.

She has been inducted into the Romania Table Tennis Hall of Fame and has been the subject of multiple books and articles. She is remembered as one of Romania’s greatest table tennis players and coaches.

7. Adrian Crișan

Adrian Crișan is a Romanian professional table tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success in his career. He currently plays for SV Werder Bremen and has represented Romania in the Summer Olympic Games five times, from 2000 to 2016.

During his career, he has achieved a world ranking of #10 in January 2006 and is currently ranked #52 as of October 2016. Crișan has been playing table tennis since he was a child, and has worked hard to reach the top levels of the sport.

His determination and talent have enabled him to compete at the highest levels of the game, and he is well-respected by his peers and fans alike. He is a prime example of what hard work, dedication, and passion can achieve in the world of sport.

Crișan’s impressive career has seen him travel the world and compete in some of the most prestigious competitions. He has showcased his skills and talent on the world stage and has been a great ambassador for Romanian table tennis.

He has inspired others to follow in his footsteps and strive to reach the same levels of excellence. Adrian Crișan is an exemplary athlete who has achieved success through hard work and dedication.

His accomplishments have been an inspiration to many, and his commitment to the sport will ensure that he is remembered as one of the greatest Romanian table tennis players of all time.

8. Mihaela Steff

Mihaela Steff is a renowned Romanian table tennis player who achieved great success during her career. From 1998 to 2005, she dominated the sport, winning medals at a variety of prestigious competitions.

At the World Table Tennis Championships, Steff earned medals in both singles and doubles events. She also earned medals in the Table Tennis World Cup and the Table Tennis European Championships in both individual and team events.

Her impressive record and dedication to the sport earned her a place in the collective memory of Romanian sports, and has inspired the next generation of table tennis players.

9. Kalinikos Kreanga

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Kalinikos Kreanga is a highly accomplished Greek table tennis player who was born in Romania with the name Călin Creangă. At just seven years old, he began playing table tennis and went on to compete in the European Table Tennis Youth Championships in Luxembourg in 1989.

However, at the age of 17, he chose to defect from Romania, a country then ruled by the Communist regime.

Kreanga’s decision to defect from Romania was a momentous one, as it allowed him to pursue his passion for table tennis in Greece without the restrictions of a totalitarian government.

He was able to take full advantage of all the opportunities available to him in Greece, and he eventually went on to become one of the greatest table tennis players in the world. Kreanga’s accomplishments and successes have been both impressive and inspiring.

He has won multiple championships and medals throughout his career, including the European Championships, the World Cup, and the Olympics.

He has also been recognized as one of the best players ever, having been inducted into the International Table Tennis Federation Hall of Fame in 2018. Kreanga is a true example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

His story serves as a reminder of the power of individual will and motivation, and how even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome.

10. Daniela Dodean

Daniela Monteiro is a Romanian professional table tennis player who has achieved great success in her career. She was born as Dodean and has earned the title of European Champion.

She has also been a part of the Romanian team in the Olympics, representing her country in the women’s singles and team events. In 2008, she competed in the women’s singles and team events at the Summer Olympics.

During the 2012 Summer Olympics, she participated in the women’s singles event.

Finally, in 2016, she participated in both the team and individual events at the Summer Olympics. Overall, Daniela Monteiro has been a remarkable athlete, showcasing her talent in the Olympics multiple times and representing Romania with pride.

Her career achievements also speak for her expertise in the sport, as she has earned the title of European Champion.

11. Adriana Năstase-Simion-Zamfir

Adriana Năstase-Simion-Zamfir is a professional Romanian table tennis player who has made a name for herself in the world of international sports. She has represented Romania at the Summer Olympics three times, the first of which was in 1992.

Since then, she has continued to show her talent and skill, competing at the 1996 and 2004 Olympics.

Her dedication and hard work have allowed her to make a lasting impression on the Olympic stage. Adriana is widely considered to be one of the best table tennis players in Romania.

Her performances at the Olympics have demonstrated her skill and dedication to the sport, and it is clear that she has a natural talent for the game.

She has achieved numerous victories over the years, and her achievements have earned her respect from her peers and fans alike. Adriana’s success is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

She is a role model to many young athletes, showing them that anything is possible with enough effort and determination.

Her passion for the sport is evident, and her determination to keep pushing herself has made her a formidable opponent and one of the best table tennis players in the world.

12. Georgeta Cojocaru

Georgeta Cojocaru is a Romanian table tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success in her sport. She is known for competing in the women’s doubles event at the 1996 Summer Olympics which took place in Atlanta, Georgia.

She was the first Romanian table tennis player to ever compete at the Olympic Games and her performance earned her a great deal of respect from her peers and fans alike.

In addition to her Olympic performance, Georgeta Cojocaru has also won a number of medals in international competitions. She has won gold medals in the European Championships, bronze medals in the World Championships, and silver medals in the Mediterranean Games.

Georgeta Cojocaru’s success is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. She is a great example for aspiring table tennis players and shows that no matter what the odds are, it is possible to achieve greatness.

13. Emilia Elena Ciosu

Emilia Elena Ciosu is a Romanian athlete who has earned recognition for her skill in table tennis. She has competed in the Olympics on two occasions, first at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, and then again at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

At the 1992 Summer Olympics, Ciosu managed to reach the quarter-finals of the women’s singles table tennis tournament before being eliminated.

At the 1996 Summer Olympics, Ciosu achieved greater success, managing to reach the semi-finals of the women’s singles table tennis tournament before being defeated.

Ciosu’s achievements in both the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics have cemented her standing as one of Romania’s finest-ever table tennis players. She is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to one’s craft.

Ciosu’s skill and dedication have earned her a place in the Romanian sports history books, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.

14. Geza Eros

Geza Eros was an accomplished sportsman, who had an illustrious career in both table tennis and tennis. A native of Romania, Eros initially competed in table tennis in his home country before going on to represent Hungary in international tournaments.

He was particularly successful in table tennis, winning the 1963 Men’s European Table Tennis Championship in Stuttgart, Germany. In addition to his success in table tennis, Eros was also a proficient tennis player.

He was a member of the Hungarian Davis Cup team and played in several international tournaments throughout his career. He was a consistent performer, often advancing to the later rounds of tournaments.

Eros’ career highlights include being a finalist in the 1964 Hungarian International Championships and a semifinalist in the 1965 Merano Open. He also won the doubles title at the 1965 International Championship of Yugoslavia.

In addition to these accomplishments, Eros won the singles title at the 1966 International Championship of Yugoslavia and the doubles title at the 1967 International Championship of Yugoslavia.

Geza Eros was a remarkable athlete, who achieved a great deal of success in both table tennis and tennis. His accomplishments on the international stage are a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.

15. Adalbert Rethi

Adalbert Rethi was a talented table tennis player from Romania who had an ethnic Hungarian background. He was playing for Dinamo Târgu Mureș when he was noticed by Farkas Paneth, who then took him to CSM Cluj.

His first international success came in 1959, when he won the Youth Table Tennis European Championship doubles competition alongside Radu Negulescu.

This was an impressive start to Rethi’s career, and it proved to be the beginning of a long and successful journey in the world of table tennis. Rethi’s skill and dedication made him a household name in Romania, and he continued to excel in the sport for many years.

His success was a testament to his hard work and talent, and he was a true inspiration to aspiring table tennis players all over the world.

16. Șerban Doboși

Șerban Andrei Doboși is a former Romanian table tennis player who competed in international competitions.

He is a highly accomplished athlete who has represented Romania in numerous tournaments throughout his career. Doboși was born in Romania and has been playing table tennis since an early age.

He has competed in many national and international tournaments and has earned several prestigious awards and titles. His greatest success came in the 2011 European Table Tennis Championship, where he won the bronze medal.

He also reached the quarter-finals of the World Championships in 2014. Doboși is a highly respected player in the international table tennis community, and his skills and technique have been praised by both coaches and players alike.

He is known for his precise and aggressive strokes, as well as his defensive skills.

He is also known for his consistency and concentration during games. In addition to his individual accomplishments, Doboși has also been part of successful Romanian teams, winning bronze medals at the European Championships in 2010 and 2017.

He was also a member of the Romanian team which won the gold medal at the 2017 World Championships. Overall, Șerban Andrei Doboși is a highly respected former Romanian table tennis player who has achieved great success throughout his career.

He is a true champion who has set an example for future generations of table tennis players.

17. Farkas Paneth

Farkas Paneth was a remarkable figure in the world of table tennis. He was a Jewish-Romanian player and coach who played for Romania. Born in Romania in the early 20th century, he had a passion for table tennis from a young age.

Despite the lack of resources, he managed to find a creative way to practice the game. He used a tailoring table and instead of a net, he used firewood. By doing so, he was able to practice and develop his skills.

Despite the limited resources, Farkas Paneth was determined to make progress in the sport. He practiced day and night, and soon his hard work paid off. He was selected to represent Romania in international tournaments and eventually became a renowned coach.

He was a great role model for aspiring athletes and was an inspiration to many. Farkas Paneth’s story is an example of how hard work and determination can help you achieve your goals.

He showed the world that no matter how limited the resources you have, you can still make something out of it if you put your mind to it. His legacy lives on and serves as an example to many aspiring athletes.

18. Marin Vasile-Goldberger

Marin Vasile-Goldberger was an accomplished Romanian table tennis player renowned for his impressive tournament performances. He was part of the Romanian team that won a silver medal at the 1936 World Table Tennis Championships.

His most famous match took place at the same tournament against Michel Haguenauer, where the two players battled for an astonishing 7 hours and 35 minutes before the match was stopped.

This match remains one of the longest table tennis matches ever played and serves as a testament to the skill and endurance of both players.

Vasile-Goldberger’s remarkable legacy lives on in the international table tennis community, where he is remembered fondly as a fierce competitor and a sportsman of the highest caliber.

19. Viktor Vladone

Viktor Vladone was a Romanian table tennis player who achieved international success during his career. He was a member of the Romanian men’s team at the 1936 World Table Tennis Championships, where he helped them earn a silver medal.

This was a great accomplishment for Viktor and for Romania, and it solidified his status as one of the top players in the world. Viktor was an experienced player who had been competing in table tennis tournaments since the 1930s.

He was well-known for his impressive skill and technique, as well as his dedication to the sport.

He was also renowned for his strong team spirit and his willingness to help his teammates when they were in need. Viktor’s silver medal was the highlight of his career, and it cemented his place in the table tennis hall of fame.

He was a highly respected player and his success served as an inspiration to other table tennis players in Romania and all over the world.

Although Viktor’s career was cut short due to his untimely passing, his legacy lives on and his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.

20. Maria Alexandru

Maria Alexandru is a well-known name in the world of table tennis. She is a former Romanian table tennis player who has made a name for herself in the sport.

She has won numerous table tennis titles over the years and is widely respected in the sport. Alexandru began her table tennis career at a young age and quickly rose to the top of the game.

She achieved great success in the Romanian national tournaments and has since competed in international competitions.

In the 2004 Olympics, Alexandru reached the quarterfinals in the singles event and made it to the semifinals in the team event. Alexandru has also made a name for herself in the professional table tennis circuit.

She has won several major tournaments, including the 2009 ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals.

Her career has been recognized by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), which awarded her the title of World Number 5 in 2010. In addition to her accomplishments in the sport, Alexandru is also known for her philanthropic work.

She has donated a large portion of her winnings to various charities and organizations across Romania.

She is an advocate for sportsmanship and has spoken out against doping in the sport. Maria Alexandru is a true champion of the game of table tennis and a role model for aspiring athletes.

Her dedication to the sport, as well as her charitable work, has earned her tremendous respect from her peers and fans alike.

21. Ella Zeller

Ella Zeller is a renowned figure in the world of table tennis. She is a retired Romanian player, coach and administrator who achieved much success in the sport over the course of her career.

From 1952 to 1964, Zeller won multiple medals in singles, doubles and team events in both the European Championships and the World Table Tennis Championships. This impressive record of success earned her a spot in the ITTF Hall of Fame in 1995.

As a coach and administrator, Zeller has continued to have a positive impact on the sport. She has worked tirelessly to promote the sport in her home country and has been a positive role model for younger generations of players.

Zeller’s contribution to the sport of table tennis has been invaluable, and she is a true icon of the sport.

22. Sari Szasz

Sári Szász was a highly accomplished international table tennis player. She was noted for her quick reflexes and her ability to stay ahead of her opponents.

She competed in numerous international tournaments and won numerous medals, including a bronze medal at the World Table Tennis Championships in 1951.

Szász was also highly regarded for her sportsmanship, her dedication to the sport, and her desire to help others improve their game. She was even invited to speak at the Table Tennis World Championship in 1957.

Szász was a pioneer for female athletes and a role model for aspiring female athletes. She showed that with hard work and dedication, a woman could be successful in a male-dominated sport.

Szász’s legacy is still remembered today, as she helped pave the way for female athletes in the sport.

23. Meral Yıldız Ali

Meral Yıldız Ali is a talented female table tennis player who hails from a Romanian-Turkish background. She has been playing table tennis since 2007 and is currently affiliated with Fenerbahçe TT, a Turkish sports club.

Before joining Fenerbahçe TT, Meral Yıldız Ali had stints with Constanta TT in Romania and Eskişehir Anadolu University in Turkey. Her extensive background in table tennis has enabled her to hone her skills and become an outstanding player.

She has achieved remarkable success in the sport and is a well-respected name in the field. With her hard work and dedication, she has managed to become a highly sought-after player, both in Turkey and abroad.

24. Georgeta Pitică

Georgeta Pitică was a remarkable table tennis player, who achieved international success. She was born in Romania and began playing table tennis at a young age, taking part in competitions throughout her teenage years.

During this time, she developed a reputation as a talented player with a strong competitive spirit. Throughout her career, Georgeta Pitică demonstrated an impressive level of skill and consistently impressed her opponents.

She played an attacking style of table tennis, often taking risks and surprising her opponents with her bold tactics.

Her success saw her become a well-known figure in Romanian table tennis and she was eventually selected to represent her country in international tournaments. Georgeta Pitică represented Romania in a number of international tournaments, including the European Championships and the World Championships.

She achieved a number of impressive results in these events, displaying her technical ability and her strength of character. Her skill and passion for the game made her a popular figure in the Romanian table tennis community and she was respected by her peers.

Georgeta Pitică is remembered as a remarkable table tennis player who achieved international success. Her skill and competitive spirit earned her a place in Romania’s sporting history and she is fondly remembered by fans of the sport.

25. Vasile Florea

Vasile Florea is a Romanian table tennis player who is most known for his participation in the 1996 Summer Olympics. During the Olympic Games, he competed in the men’s singles event.

This was a great accomplishment for Florea, as he was one of the few athletes from Romania to make it to the Olympics. Florea was born and raised in Romania and started playing table tennis at a young age.

He quickly became a skilled player and started competing in local tournaments and leagues. After his success in local competitions, he then began entering into international tournaments. His impressive skills and performances led him to qualify for the prestigious Olympic Games.

At the 1996 Summer Olympics, Florea competed against some of the best athletes in the world. Despite the tough competition, he was determined to make his country proud. Florea worked hard and gave it his all, but ultimately he was unable to make it to the medal round.

Regardless, Florea’s participation in the Olympic Games was a great achievement for him and a source of pride for the nation of Romania. To this day, Vasile Florea remains an inspirational figure in Romania.

He is a reminder of the country’s potential and of the positive aspects of competing in international events. While he may not have won a medal, his participation in the Olympic Games has left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.

26. Despina Mavrocordat

Maria ‘Despina’ Mavrocordat was a Romanian athlete who excelled at international table tennis, volleyball and basketball. She was born into a prominent noble family and was later married to a nobleman, Sayn-Wittgenstein.

Mavrocordat was a highly talented and dedicated athlete and was a driving force behind the development of women’s sports in Romania. Mavrocordat began her sports career at a young age, competing in regional and national tournaments.

She soon made a name for herself on the international scene, representing Romania in table tennis, volleyball and basketball.

As a result of her success, she was invited to compete in international competitions and was a notable figure in the sports world. Mavrocordat was also an inspiration to many young female athletes, both in Romania and abroad.

She was highly respected for her achievements and was an example of what could be accomplished with hard work and dedication.

Her legacy continues to inspire generations of female athletes, and she is remembered for her contribution to the development of women’s sports in Romania.

27. Iulia Necula

Iulia Necula is a highly accomplished table tennis player from Romania. She has competed in the highest levels of the sport, including the Olympics. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Necula competed in the team competition representing Romania.

She was part of a team of talented players, including fellow Olympians Ovidiu Ionescu, Adrian Crisan, and Elizabeta Samara. Together, the team put together a strong performance, making it to the quarterfinals of the event.

Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals, but it was a remarkable achievement for Necula and the Romanian team. Necula has continued to perform at a high level and has become one of the top-ranked table tennis players from Romania.

28. Luci Slavescu

Luci Slavescu was a talented female athlete from Romania who excelled in the sport of table tennis. She was a highly decorated international table tennis player, representing Romania in numerous international competitions.

Her skills and expertise in the sport were highly regarded and she was a highly respected athlete. Luci Slavescu began her table tennis career at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her skills and talents.

She was a fierce competitor and won multiple international titles in the sport. Her passion for the sport was evident in her performances and she was an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.

Luci Slavescu was also a strong advocate for the sport and used her voice to create awareness about the importance of table tennis. She was a mentor to young athletes and was always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with them.

Her dedication to the sport was remarkable and she was a true champion of the sport. Luci Slavescu was an excellent role model for young athletes and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

She was a passionate and dedicated athlete who worked hard to reach the top of her sport. Her commitment and dedication to the sport of table tennis will always be remembered and her name will live on in the annals of table tennis history.

29. Carmen Crișan

Carmen Crișan is a former international table tennis player from Romania. She was born on December 28, 1951 to Tiberiu and Elisabeta Crișan in the small town of Homorod. At the time, Carmen’s family was living in internal exile, which was due to Tiberiu’s political affiliations.

Being an only child, Carmen was brought up in a loving and supportive home environment. As a young girl, Carmen showed exceptional skill and promise in table tennis.

She went on to become one of the most renowned players in the sport, competing in multiple international tournaments. She represented her country in the European Cup, the World Cup, and the European Championships.

Carmen was part of the Romanian team that won the European Cup in 1973 and 1974. Carmen Crișan’s success in table tennis earned her a great deal of recognition both at home and abroad.

She was a three-time National Champion and was named Female Table Tennis Player of the Year in 1972. Her accomplishments made her an inspiration to countless young athletes in Romania. Carmen Crișan’s legacy lives on to this day.

She is remembered as one of Romania’s most accomplished table tennis players, having achieved success despite her family’s difficult circumstances. Her inspiring story continues to be an example of hard work and determination for aspiring athletes everywhere.

30. Olga Nemeș

Olga Nemeș is a renowned female athlete who has made a name for herself in the world of table tennis. She is a former international table tennis player from Germany.

She was born and raised in Germany and is of German nationality. Her career began in the late 1970s when she participated in the German National Table Tennis Championships and went on to become one of the most successful female table tennis players in the country.

She was a part of the German national team for many years and achieved many titles, including the World Championship and the European Championship. Olga Nemeș has also participated in the Olympic Games, representing Germany in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

She won the bronze medal in the women’s doubles event. She also has a number of other medals and titles to her name, including the World Cup, the European Cup, and the German Cup. Olga Nemeș is an inspiration to many young female athletes who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

She has shown that, with dedication and hard work, it is possible to achieve success in the sport of table tennis. Her success is an example to all aspiring athletes that dreams can come true.

31. Dorin Giurgiuca

Dorin Giurgiuca was a world-renowned table tennis player and coach from Romania. He was an active member of the Romanian International Table Tennis Team and a highly respected coach.

Giurgiuca was well known for his prowess in the game, having won several tournaments throughout his career. He was particularly successful in the European Championships, where he won multiple titles.

Additionally, he was also a successful coach, having trained many of Romania’s top players. Giurgiuca was a passionate player who was very dedicated to the sport. He had a great knowledge of the game and was able to pass on his knowledge to his students.

He was also an excellent motivator, pushing his players to their limits and helping them reach their full potential.

Giurgiuca was highly respected amongst his peers and was known for his professionalism and integrity. Throughout his career, Giurgiuca was a major contributor to the success of the Romanian International Table Tennis Team.

He was an integral part of the team, and his dedication and hard work was instrumental in their success. Giurgiuca’s legacy in the sport will be remembered for many years to come.

32. Radu Negulescu

Radu Negulescu is a former Romanian table tennis player who achieved significant success in his career. At the age of nine, he began his journey in the sport and quickly rose to become one of the top players in the country.

He won a staggering 23 national titles and 17 international titles throughout his career. In addition to his success in table tennis, Negulescu was also a talented multi-sport athlete. He played soccer and handball at the national level, demonstrating his athletic prowess.

Moreover, he was also an active basketball player at the local level. Despite not being able to compete at the highest level in this sport, his dedication to the game was noteworthy.

Overall, Radu Negulescu is a retired Romanian table tennis player who achieved much success in his career. In addition to his successes in the sport, he also showed himself to be an all-around athlete, capable of competing at the highest levels in various sports.

His dedication and commitment to the game is to be commended.

33. Iulian Chiriță

Iulian Chiriță is a Romanian former professional footballer who enjoyed a successful career as both a midfielder and a manager. He represented his country at the international level, playing for the Romanian national team from 1977-1982.

He was a key player in the Romanian side that qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, where the team reached the second round. As a player, Chiriță was known for his strong work ethic and technical ability.

He made a total of 238 appearances and scored 11 goals in the Romanian top flight, with teams such as Steaua București, Universitatea Craiova, and FC Argeș Pitești.

He also had a brief stint with Greek side Panionios in 1981. After retiring from playing, Chiriță moved into management. He had successful spells with a number of clubs, including Steaua București, Universitatea Craiova, FC Argeș Pitești, and FCU Politehnica Timișoara.

He also managed the Romanian national team from 1998-1999.

His career as a manager was marked by a commitment to attacking football, as evidenced by the team’s impressive record of goals scored during his time in charge. Iulian Chiriță is fondly remembered in his native Romania as one of the country’s most successful footballers and managers.

His technical excellence, dedication to the game, and ability to get the best out of his players have made him a true legend in the Romanian game.

34. Paul Hâldan

Paul Hâldan is a professional table tennis player from Romania who was based in the Netherlands. In 1983, after a match in the Netherlands, Hâldan made the decision to defect, which caused the Romanian table tennis federation to ban him from international matches for two years.

This was a difficult decision for Hâldan, as it meant leaving his home country and the people he knew and loved. Hâldan had to make a new life in the Netherlands, with no guarantee of success. However, he was determined to make it work and began training harder than ever.

His dedication paid off, and he became a successful professional table tennis player in the Netherlands.

He eventually returned to Romania and competed in international matches again, but the two-year ban was a huge setback. Despite the obstacles he faced, Hâldan was able to carve out a successful career in table tennis.

His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of making difficult decisions, despite the potential consequences.

Conclusion

Overall, Romania has some of the best table tennis players in the world. Romania has won multiple medals in table tennis events, including medals at the Olympics and World Championships.

The most successful Romanian players include Adrian Crisan, Elizabeta Samara, and Cristian Pletea. These players have achieved great success at the highest levels of the sport and have become role models for aspiring Romanian table tennis players..

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Tom Clarke

With a passion for sports journalism, I have accumulated over seven years of experience in various editorial roles. Currently serving as the Deputy Sports Editor at City University London, I previously held the position of Digital Sports Editor. Now i am working in table tennis. My journey began as a Trainee Sub-Editor at Daily Mail, where I honed my skills and climbed the ladder to become a Night Editor and eventually a Journalist. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated dedication and expertise in delivering compelling sports news to the audience.