'Is this possible?' To challenge at an international competition after turning 100... The potential of table tennis in the century-long era was demonstrated by the Gangneung World Masters.

*This content was translated by AI.

'XIOM 2026 Gangneung World Masters Table Tennis Championships' confirmed the potential of table tennis once again through a 102-year-old participant.

'Yuet Yu Wa', a Chinese amateur player from the United States, born in 1924, was the oldest participant at the tournament held from the 6th at Gangneung's Obal (Speed Skating Rink) and Gangneung Arena in Gangwon Province.

'Yuet Yu Wa', who returned to the World Masters stage following the Rome tournament, stated, "I am truly excited and happy. It is a joy to meet friends I met in Rome and new table tennis friends from various countries again."

'Yuet Yu Wa's' table tennis career dates back to the early 1930s. He still vividly remembers the time he first encountered table tennis as an elementary school student. He recalled, "Table tennis was a very new sport at that time and was not popular at all. Equipment was expensive and supply was limited."

'Yuet Yu Wa' then stayed away from table tennis for a full 85 years. The reason he picked up the racket again after such a long time was his family. The desire to play table tennis with his grandchildren led him back to the table. Family is also the most important presence in his life. 'Yuet Yu Wa' said, "I still believe I can play table tennis. It is a joy to recall the past while playing with my grandchildren and to spend time with the younger generation. For our generation, family is the most important. We live by understanding each other."

'Yuet Yu Wa's' challenge to compete in a world tournament at over 100 years old is supported by his family's steadfast backing. For this tournament as well, his son, Jang Sang-chao, and his wife are involved in everything from the matches to rest periods. Since resuming his exercise routine, his life has undergone significant changes.

'Yuet Yu Wa', who still considers himself an "athlete," said, "I have gained more confidence to face life's difficulties," and set his sights on participating in the next International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Masters Table Tennis Championships to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2028.

'Yuet Yu Wa' also finds great meaning in meeting peers on the world stage. Following the previous tournament where he competed against participants from Germany and Sweden, he is now playing against participants from Japan and Brazil. He said, "Because we are of a similar generation, we can understand each other well."

'Yuet Yu Wa' cited travel and meeting people as the driving force behind his continued challenges even after turning 100. Regarding table tennis as the medium, he highly evaluated its potential as "a sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime without age restrictions." He smiled, saying, "It is a joy to visit foreign countries, travel, and meet people. It is also fun to make new friends through the tournament. I started playing table tennis at age 8 and still love it today. As long as table tennis is my main exercise, age is just a number."

'At the festival organized by Gangneung City and the Organizing Committee of the 2026 Gangneung World Masters Table Tennis Championships, amateur table tennis players from around the world are sharing their unique stories, memories, and love for table tennis. The Organizing Committee praised, "The challenge of 'Yuet Yu Wa', who appeared on the world stage again after turning 100, is the scene that best represents the value of 'lifelong sports table tennis' that this tournament aims to convey."

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*This content was translated by AI.