At the age of 60, life has taught me that dreams do not expire—they only evolve. Tennis has been a constant companion in my journey, challenging me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Representing India at the World Masters Team Championship 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, in the Women’s 55 age category, was not just another tournament for me—it was a defining moment of my life.
In 2023, history was created when, for the first time ever, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) sent an Indian women’s team in the 55+ category to compete at the World Masters Team Championship. Based on my national ranking, I was honored not only to be selected for the team but also nominated as the Captain of Team India. This responsibility filled me with pride and a deep sense of commitment.
Arrival in Lisbon and the Weight of Responsibility
Our team arrived in Lisbon on 8th August 2023, two days before the tournament officially began. The following day, 9th August, I attended the Captain’s Meeting, where the match formats, group draws, and tournament rules were explained. Sitting in that room with captains from across the world, I realized the magnitude of what lay ahead. We were not just playing tennis—we were representing India on a global stage.
That same day, at 4 PM, the Inauguration Ceremony took place. It was an event filled with grandeur, color, and emotion. Teams from across the globe marched into the arena in alphabetical order, each accompanied by their national anthem. India was represented by three teams in total—Women 55, Men 55, and Men 60—making the moment even more special for our contingent.
When it was India’s turn to enter, I led the Indian contingent into the arena as the Indian National Anthem played. Words cannot fully capture the emotions I felt at that moment. Pride, gratitude, disbelief, and joy all came together. For a sportsperson, especially at this stage of life, it was truly a dream come true.
Matches, Challenges, and Reality Checks
The competition began soon after. In the group stage, we played three tie matches, each consisting of two singles and one doubles match, against strong teams like Netherlands , Canada and Switzerland. Despite our best efforts and fighting spirit, we lost these matches.
Next, we faced Argentina, another formidable opponent, and once again, the result was not in our favor.
By the end of the tournament, our team found itself at the bottom of the standings among all participating nations. While the results were disappointing on paper, the experience itself was invaluable. Competing against world-class players gave me a clear understanding of where we stood—and more importantly, where I needed to improve.
Eye-Opening Observations
One of the most striking realizations during the tournament was the level of fitness maintained by women players from other countries. Their agility, endurance, and court coverage were remarkable. It became very clear to me that if I wanted to compete at this level again, I needed to raise my fitness standards significantly.
Another unforgettable moment was playing against a player from the Netherlands, who had been a top professional during her younger years. She had competed on the circuit alongside legends like Steffi Graf. Standing across the net from someone of that caliber felt surreal—something I could never have imagined earlier in my life.
Yet, instead of feeling intimidated, that experience sparked something powerful within me.
My Takeaways from the Tournament
This championship, though challenging, gave me clarity and renewed purpose. My key takeaways were:
- Fitness is Non-Negotiable
I promised myself that I would return next year stronger, fitter, and faster. Age may be a factor, but dedication and discipline can bridge many gaps. - Coaching is Essential for Growth
To compete against former professionals and elite players, natural ability and experience are not enough. I realized the importance of having a good coach to refine my technique, strategy, and match play skills.
Looking Ahead with Determination
The World Masters Team Championship 2023 may not have ended with wins for us, but it gave me something far more valuable—direction. I now train with a clear vision and renewed hunger. My goal is no longer just participation; it is to compete, challenge, and defeat the very players who once seemed untouchable.
This journey reaffirmed my belief that sport has no age limit. As long as you are willing to learn, work hard, and believe in yourself, the court will always welcome you.
Lisbon was not the end—it was the beginning of a stronger comeback.
*********************
About Author:
Vibha Choudhary is a dual-sport elite athlete and a top-ranked Indian player in Tennis and Pickleball. A former Physical Education teacher with a Post Graduate degree in Physical Science, Vibha combines academic expertise with on-court mastery. She led the Indian Women’s 55+ team at the World Masters Team Championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. At 60, she is dedicated to helping players of all levels stay active, competitive, and injury-free.
Leave a Reply