She previously won the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the women's singles event.

She is currently retired, and studying in Peking University for a master's degree in Physical Education.

[5] In the Olympic Singles final against compatriot Li Xiaoxia, Italian umpire Paola Bongelli repeatedly cautioned Ding for her backhand tomahawk serve [clarification needed].

Bongelli deducted 3 penalty points from Ding leading her to break down in tears in the fourth set.

"[citation needed] International Table Tennis Federation president Adham Sharara tried to console Ding, congratulating her on her silver medal before saying he hoped the 22-year-old would return to win gold in Rio in four years time.