Beijing pensioners brave freezing winter for love of table tennis

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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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Copy of 216628-01-02-1608283304349 — 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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Copy of 216617-01-02-1608283280921 — It's a scene replicated in parks across the city. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 216614-01-02-1608283276243 — 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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Copy of 216611-01-02-1608283271731 — An elderly man plays table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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20201218 table tennis — 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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Copy of 216622-01-02-1608283295505 — Most of the players are older men but there are women too, also usually retirees. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 216619-01-02-1608283287437 — 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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Copy of 216627-01-02-1608283299955 — People play table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of APTOPIX_Virus_Outbreak_China_Daily_Life_13415.jpg-5d072-1608283257271 — 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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Copy of 216635-01-02-1608283308649 — People play table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 216606-01-02-1608283263832 — A man plays table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 216610-01-02-1608283268143 — Two men take a break from playing table tennis at a park in Beijing. Image Credit: AFP

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