[1][2][3] Ding's selection to the team garnered widespread media attention, with some commentators saying he 'redefined race in China.
'[1] The coach of the national team, Zhou Jianan, was irritated by the number of calls he received inquiring Ding's family background.
Zhou dismissed most of these calls, saying that he "fits the requirements established by the Chinese Volleyball Association" and that Ding's background is a "private matter.
[4] In his personal life, Ding is "also a great singer and dancer and he brings more passion to the game than the other players," said Wang Hebing, the head coach of Zhejiang Volleyball team.
[5] In 2012, Ding left Zhejiang men's volleyball team and went to study abroad before the new season started because "there's no future of this sport in China."