Table tennis's evergreen Ni Xialian eyes new chapter at 62

At 62, Ni Xialian continues to defy time.

The Luxembourg paddler is set to compete at the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships in London on April 28, according to the International Table Tennis Federation, marking another milestone in a career spanning more than four decades.

The oldest player in this year's tournament, Ni will be making her second international appearance since returning from injury.

Ni Xialian in action during women's singles second round against Shan Xiaona of Germany at the 2023 ITTF Table Tennis World Championships Finals in Durban, South Africa, May 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Tao Xiyi)

Earlier this month at the WTT Contender Taiyuan, she competed in both women's singles and mixed doubles after more than a year away from the sport. Though she exited early, the event signaled her determination to continue competing at the highest level.

"I went through a lot during the past year of injury, and I feel fortunate to be back on court," Ni said.

Born in Shanghai in 1963, Ni picked up a paddle at an early age and rose quickly through the ranks. At 16, she joined China's national team. In 1983, Ni won both women's team and mixed doubles titles at the World Championships.

She later moved to Europe and began representing Luxembourg, embarking on an extraordinary international journey that has taken her to six Olympic Games, from Sydney in 2000 to Paris in 2024.

Over the years, Ni has built a reputation as one of the sport's most enduring figures.

Yet that longevity has come with challenges. With advancing age and the impact of injuries, Ni has seen a decline in her speed and on-court reactions. Meanwhile, rapid developments in table tennis techniques have gradually reduced the effectiveness of her traditional penhold, pips-out playing style.

Facing opponents young enough to be her grandchildren, Ni admitted that every match feels like "walking on thin ice."

"Physically, I cannot match the younger players," she said. "So I focus more on tactics: how to make the best use of my strengths and read my opponents."

Unfortunately, a wrist fracture in 2025 forced her into a lengthy rehabilitation, and she still competes with a metal plate in her wrist.

Facing such an injury in her 60s requires considerable courage and determination to endure a long rehabilitation process. Yet Ni has shown no intention of stepping away.

"Why should I stop? I love this sport, and the fans have been waiting for my return. I always feel a sense of mission, my responsibility is to recover well," she said.

For her, the motivation to continue extends beyond personal passion.

"People often think my persistence comes only from love for the sport," she said. "But there is also a sense of responsibility, to the game, to the country I represent, and to the fans who support me."

The sense of responsibility she often speaks of extends beyond her dedication to table tennis, encompassing her role as a Chinese-born athlete representing Luxembourg.

"Luxembourg is a small country, and table tennis once had a relatively weak foundation. But since I arrived, much has changed. The sport is now well promoted, with table tennis programs in many primary and secondary schools and more than 100 local clubs," she said. "I hope to remain on the court to influence and inspire more people."

At the same time, she also hopes to use this sport to build more bridges of exchange and friendship between China and Luxembourg.

Since joining Luxembourg's national team in 1990, Ni has dedicated 36 years to the sport.

"They have all been waiting for my return, and the best way I can repay them is to keep playing table tennis," she said. "As long as they need me, I will always be there."

Looking ahead, Ni has set her sights on the Los Angeles Olympics in two years. "Dreams are worth having, what if they come true?" She said. "It will be difficult, but overcoming challenges is what makes life meaningful."

For Ni, the length of a career may be finite, but its depth is defined by perseverance. "Table tennis has expanded the width of my life," she said. "It has given it color."