Table tennis: Meet Wang Qi, the 73-year-old making his world team championships debut for Fiji

At 73, when most careers are long behind them, Wang Qi proved that age is just a number.

Decked in Fiji blue, the former coach from the People's Republic of China, made his debut at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships, stealing the spotlight at the 2026 edition, not just for his skills but also his spirit.

“I am very, very happy to be here. I value the chance," Wang told Olympics.com at the tournament in London, England.

“I was born in China… So many [table tennis] players there, but no chance [for most]," he said, highlighting the nation's dominance of table tennis.

"I am lucky."

Wang’s table tennis journey began in his home country at the age of seven, when a visit to his elder sister’s university sparked his curiosity and saw him pick up a paddle for the first time.

Two years later, he enrolled in junior training. But just as he began to dream of soaring in the sport, his wings were clipped as the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) forced him to put his promising career on hold.

After a long-awaited return, Wang stepped away from playing and turned to coaching, playing a role in the early development of Ma Lin, who went on to win two gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games.

In 2001, life took an unexpected turn for Wang, as his family migrated to Fiji, opening doors he had never imagined.

“I beat everyone I played there; in Fiji, [the competition] was very easy," Wang recalled. “So, Fiji asked me to coach the team from 2002. I was still playing while coaching them.

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