Ma is the only male player ever to win Olympic gold in Singles, Doubles and Team.

Since retiring in December 2013, Ma has been serving as the head coach of the Guangdong provincial table tennis team.

An aggressive player, he is known for his converse unpredictable serves, heavy short push receives, fast footwork, and powerful third ball attacks.

The most dangerous weapon Ma has in his arsenal, however, is his consistent forehand loop, which he often uses to end a point decisively.

In the China Table Tennis Super League, Ma played for Bayi Gongshang, Shandong Luneng, Guangdong Gotone, Shaanxi Yinhe and Ningbo Haitan.

The first time, in the 1999 World Table Tennis Championships in Eindhoven, Ma defeated Samsonov and Waldner to reach the final, where he faced Liu Guoliang.

The second time, in the 2005 Shanghai World Table Tennis Championships, in the men's singles final, Ma trailed Wang Liqin 2–3 and 7–10 in the 6th game.

The thirdtime, at the 2007 World Table Tennis Championships in Zagreb, Ma met Wang Liqin again in the final.

Ma was shocked, and the coaches suddenly had a big problem: there was no one protecting the bottom half of the draw.

In the finals, Ma / Chen played against Hong Kong's Ko Lai Chak / Li Ching.

In the men's singles, Ma defeated Korean Oh Sang Eun in the quarterfinals (4–0) and Wang Liqin in the semifinals (4–2).

[3] Ma was appointed as the head coach of the China National Women's Team from December 2022.

Ma's alleged girlfriend, Bai Yang, was dropped from Women's National Team in 2004.