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Table Tennis ‘Auntie’ Ni Xialian Wins Hearts at the Olympics
Ni Xialian, 61, a former world champion from China now representing Luxembourg, was defeated by top-seeded Sun Yingsha in the mixed doubles final.
Ni Xialian, 61, a former world champion from China now representing Luxembourg, was defeated by top-seeded Sun Yingsha in the mixed doubles final.
Despite her loss to the 23-year-old Sun, Ni received a standing ovation and praise from fans and officials, including a hug from the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
Ni has been celebrated for her enduring skill and dedication. Younger players on the circuit call her “Auntie” as a sign of respect, proving that age does not limit her remarkable achievements in the sport.
See the Instagram post shared below with the Grand Duke of Luxembourg congratulating Ni after her performance.