Beijing pensioners brave freezing winter for love of table tennis

The park's public tables are usually packed from 8am to 10pm

Published: December 18, 2020 18:10 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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People come bundled up against the cold in hats and gloves, wearing face masks because of the ever-present threat of the coronavirus - but as they heat up, bouncing around the court, the layers gradually start coming off. Image Credit: AFP

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It's a scene replicated in parks across the city. Image Credit: AFP

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For many at the park, ping pong harks back to their childhood and continues to be a way to remain active even as they enter late life. Image Credit: AFP

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An elderly man plays table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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Some even come on their own to practise, hitting balls repeatedly over the net - by the end, dozens lie scattered on the ground. Image Credit: AFP

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Most of the players are older men but there are women too, also usually retirees. Image Credit: AFP

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For many, ping-pong harks back to their childhood and is a way to remain active even as they enter late life. Image Credit: AFP

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People play table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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Many of those playing in the park also see China's enduring success in the sport as a source of national pride - at the 2016 Rio Olympics, China won all four gold medals. Image Credit: AP

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People play table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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A man plays table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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Two men take a break from playing table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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