55-Year-Old Pakistani Table Tennis Player Makes Asian Games Debut
Zeeshan Mehtab
Published: September 29, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Nosheen Aslam, a 55-year-old table tennis player from Lahore, Pakistan, made history at the 2026 Asian Games. She became the oldest participant in the women’s team event, competing alongside much younger athletes.
"I think I am still physically fit and may be able to play for another two or three years,” Nosheen Aslam shared optimistically.
Her Journey:
On Sunday, she played in two team matches for Pakistan, showcasing her skills on the court despite nerves. Though she didn’t participate in the following day's final group match, her presence marked a significant personal achievement. These were her first Asian Games, and her first international competition outside of Pakistan.
A Sport for All Ages:
“The Asian Games are my dream… It is a wonderful and very well-organized event. Everyone here is very nice, and it is a great experience for me,” Nosheen expressed, highlighting the inclusivity of table tennis.
Despite initial nervousness, she enjoyed the moment, capturing memories with teammates after matches.
A Late Start, But a Passionate Journey:
Nosheen began playing table tennis 12 years ago, becoming active and engaged despite already being a mother of three sons, who all play cricket.
Her teammate, Aleena Khan, is just 15 years old, but age doesn't define Nosheen's performance on the court. She emphasizes skill over age:
“Whenever I play, I feel happy and forget the worries of my life. Age is just a number. I think table tennis is a game of skill. If your skill is good, nothing else matters,” she said.
Balancing Life and Sport:
Finding time to train has been challenging with her responsibilities as a mother and working woman. Nosheen trains at night and practices whenever possible after completing daily tasks. Her dedication is evident in her consistent involvement in the sport for several years.
Her experience reflects the growing popularity of table tennis in Pakistan, with good facilities in Lahore and a strong program through schools. The International Table Tennis Federation's pilot school program, launched late 2025, has expanded to six countries across four continents, including Pakistan, where it has introduced table tennis as a regular school sport at four schools.