Kong under coach of Cai Zhenhua, his preferred technique is shake-hands, attacking topspin from both wings. The key to his winning in this Sydney Olympics was his good return of service in his own words. In the men's singles, Kong Linghui defeated Jan-Ove Waldner of Sweden 21-16, 21-19, 17-21, 14-21, 21-13 to win the gold.

Honors: (major)

1996 2nd in Men's Singles in China's National Championships

1996 1st in Men's Doubles in Atlanta Games

1996 1st in Men's Doubles in Asian Championships

1996 2nd in Men's Singles in World All Stars Circuit

2000 1st in Men's Singles and Doubles in Sydney Olympics