Table Tennis brings the Irving Family some Christmas Cheer

After more than 25 years away from the sport, former Australian representative Ian Irving has picked up his bat and ball once again – this time to bring his family some Christmas cheer.

Now a Clinical Haematologist, the 1985 World Championships and 1985 Commonwealth Championships representative was inspired to reflect back on the memories made during his sporting career, after TTA launched its Official Australian Representatives Project in late 2020, which honours all individuals who have represented Australia.

Irving admits that life has been busy since he retired from elite competition and he had not picked up a bat since 1994. But with his passion recently reignited, the National Team Representative #31 thought there was no better time than Christmas to purchase a brand new table and create new memories with his five children.

“When TTA contacted me regarding the launch of their Official Australian Representatives Project, it reminded me of what a great sport table tennis is and how many good memories I have of playing the sport,” Irving said.

“Given Christmas is approaching, it also reminded me that I first started playing table tennis after my parents bought a table for the family one Christmas, many years ago. We played as a family and with friends at home before joining the local association to be coached.”

Irving said that the Christmas gift was less about his children forging a path in the sport, but using table tennis as a way to create new ties with his family.

“Table tennis is a great sport for children and is also very practical in that it can be played in all weather,” he said.

“Hopefully we will be able to play as a family and with friends. Sport is a great way to bring people together and it is a healthy alternative to electronic type endeavours. Maybe the kids will become interested in the sport although there will be no pressure for this to happen.”

While his family was in for a treat on Christmas Day, Irving said he is grateful to table tennis for all it has done for him in the past, and again, looking ahead into the future.

“I very much remember the fun of representing Queensland in National Championships, and always trying to desperately be able to match it with Victoria, who were generally the leading state.

“I think it’s great that TTA launched the Official Representatives Project. Without being contacted in association with the project, I likely wouldn’t have thought to buy a table tennis for the kids.

“In addition, the research done is amazing and very detailed. Those behind the project should be commended.”

To view the Official Australian Representatives lists, please click here.