LONDON : In a rare and inspiring moment at the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships held at the Copper Box Arena in London, 73-year-old Wang Qi took to the international table tennis stage — not as a coach, but as a competitor representing Fiji in the men’s team event.
Wang’s participation marked a historical milestone: he stood out as the oldest player in this year’s championships, competing against much younger opponents in a sport typically dominated by athletes in their teens, 20s, and early 30s.
Born and raised in China, Wang began playing table tennis at age 7 and later became a respected coach. He migrated to Fiji in 2001, where he eventually took up the national coaching role and later earned eligibility to represent the island nation internationally.
Despite the vast age gap, Wang embraced the opportunity with humility. “I am deeply grateful for the chance to compete at this level,” Wang said, reflecting on the rarity of such an opportunity — especially considering China’s immense depth in table tennis talent that often limits playing chances for many experienced athletes.
On the scoreboard, Fiji’s campaign concluded in the early stages of the tournament, as the team faced strong competition from established table tennis nations. Wang’s match results included straight-set losses, underlining the competitive gulf between his team and higher-ranked squads.
Yet for many, the significance of his participation transcended win-loss records. Officials and fellow athletes praised Wang’s spirit and dedication. “To see someone with such longevity step onto this stage is truly inspirational for players of all ages,” said one observer at the event.
As one of the most watched moments of the early rounds, Wang’s debut embodied the World Team Championships’ global reach — a celebration not only of elite athletic competition but also of passion, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of sport at every age.
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