One of the special things about table tennis is that it truly suits all ages. Whether you are just starting out as a child, competing at the highest level as a teenager, or still chasing medals in your sixties and beyond, the game brings everyone together. Table tennis is fast, fun and social, but it is also a sport where experience and youthful energy can sit side by side. At this year’s New Zealand Open Championships and NZ Para Open Championships, we saw just how powerful that mix can be.

At the New Zealand Open Championships, Counties-Manukau proved that table tennis knows no age barriers. Their Open Women’s team brought together players at very different stages of life, from 65 year old Tutty Tanfana to 15 year old Tracy Yu. Alongside Tracy were her teammates Bei Zhang, and Jo Shaw. Despite the wide span of ages, the team combined their strengths to win gold in the Senior Teams Open Women C event.

For Tracy, the experience has been invaluable.

“Being different ages allows me a lot of great experiences that I would not get otherwise. All the girls in my team give me a wiser, more experienced supporting hand and are amazing mentors whenever I need it,” she explained.

Tracy recognises the unique balance her team shares. While her older teammates pass on knowledge and perspective from years of playing, she brings insight into the playstyles of her younger generation of opponents. “Despite our age gaps, the one thing that joins us together is our love for table tennis. If I had to describe our team in one word, it would be ‘Timeless’ because no matter our ages, our team can and will win.”

That spirit was also on display at the NZ Para Open Championships, where 12 year old Jerry Zeng faced 15 year old Joseph Ta’ape Pennalligen in the Class 11 Combined Singles. Jerry’s 3–1 victory showed that talent, determination and passion can shine through at any age.

“I was a bit nervous at the start, but once I got into the game I just focused on every point,” Jerry said afterwards. “Beating an older player gives me a lot of confidence. I love table tennis because it does not matter how old you are, you can always have a chance to win if you work hard.”

From seasoned veterans to rising juniors, table tennis continues to bring people together across generations. The love of table tennis binds all ages together. Whether it is a first national gold medal or the joy of mentoring the next wave of athletes, the sport proves that age is no limit when the love of the game unites players.