Joe
In a thrilling first-round match of the women’s individual table tennis competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Luxembourg’s Ni Xia Lian secured a historic victory.
As the table tennis ball drifted off the side of the table on the final point, the 61-year-old athlete beamed with joy as the crowd erupted in applause.
Competing in her sixth Olympic Games, Ni defeated the younger Sibel Altinkaya of Turkey in a 49-minute match, winning 4-2. This victory made Ni the oldest table tennis player to ever win a match at the Olympic Games.
Despite her age, Ni’s spirit remains youthful. “My heart is very young,” the table tennis pioneer remarked in a 2019 interview with the Olympic Channel.
The South Paris Arena was filled with cheers as the 1983 world champion shook hands with the match officials and acknowledged her fans, who were waving photo cut-outs of her. Ni, who had carried Luxembourg’s flag during the Opening Ceremony two days earlier, was visibly moved by the enthusiastic reaction. She blew kisses to the spectators and offered a consolatory hug to her opponent, all while maintaining her radiant smile.
Ni had a strong lead against Altinkaya, who she had faced six times before without losing a set. However, Altinkaya put up a strong fight, reflecting the high stakes of the Olympic Games.
“When I was winning 3-0, I became too conservative. She had nothing to lose, and that’s the sport,” Ni explained. Using her vast experience, she managed to regroup and win with scores of 12-10, 11-3, 11-7, 9-11, 10-12, 11-6. “Technique is one part and psychology is another,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Ni is set to face world number one, Sun Yingsha, in a match scheduled for Monday, July 29 at 20:00 local time. Despite the challenge, Ni is excited about the opportunity.
“I think this is a life chance for me to play with number one in the world,” she said with a smile. “I just wish to have a beautiful match, but of course, I will cherish every point.”
