But keeping fit in mind and body is the main reason the 78-year-old still plays the game many consider one of the ‘’best brain sports around’’.

Mr Chichkan is the longest serving member of the Illawarra Table Tennis Association, which celebrates 70 years in 2017.

He started playing in 1952, five years after six local groups met to discuss the possibility of setting up a table tennis association.

Current club publicity officer Alan Russell said that meeting on February 26, 1947 featured representatives from Woonona and Thirroul Prebyterian churches, C.R.M, A.I.S Administrative, Wollongong Tennis Club and Lysaghts.

After a ‘’long discussion’’ they were convinced that sufficient South Coast clubs and players were available to successfully conduct two competitions.

Don Pallier and Anthony Tobin were elected chairman and honorary secretary respectively.

Mr Russell (aka Mr Illawarra Table Tennis) himself has been involved with the association for 52 years, 40 of those years as president.

The 68-year-old has also been playing constantly since 1965.

‘’I think for older guys like myself and Wally, you can still participate at a very good level and be competitive against most people, even at an older age,’’ he said.

‘’It has also been found that table tennis is considered the best brain sport in the world. Studies have also found it staves off dementia.

‘’But even more importantly it is fun to play. It is an Olympic sport which is referred to as the chess of ball sport because you have to use your brain constantly. A lot of the game is about out-thinking your opponent, so it keeps you fit and active in the mind and body.’’

A point backed by Mr Chichkan, who teamed with Gary Fisher to win the NSW Over 75’s doubles crown in 2016. The pair have won three state doubles crowns in the last five years.

‘’I enjoy winning but for me the enjoyment comes from playing and practicing against players of all ages and abilities,’’ he said.

In its heyday back in the early 1950’s more than 300 people took part in closed Illawarra Table Tennis competitions.

Today club membership varies between 80 to 100 people playing in Monday night competitions and social outings on Thursday nights at Beaton Park Leisure Centre.

Mr Russell said a Senior’s Day event will also be held on March 8 as part of the club’s 70^th anniversary celebrations. ‘’We are also holding a Davis-Cup style doubles event in July which will boast more than $2000 in prize money.’’ Email illawarratt@gmail.com for details.