Peter Dunphy reaches 60 years of table tennis in Launceston

But the 78-year-old is going strong, continuously competing in Northern Tasmanian Table Tennis Association rosters since his debuting at age 18.

Taking up the sport as "something to do" after he left school, the NTTTA president credits the fitness aspect and friendships for his continual play.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

"It helps you mentally, physically and I find that stimulating," he said.

"Also meeting the people that you play with, which I think is great to have companionship and you certainly have a lot of that in table tennis.

"In my time there's been a bit turnover in terms of participants, there's still a few of us who are playing but spasmodically, not in each roster as I have done."

Recognised nationally for 50 years of volunteer service in 2019, Dunphy has witnessed many changes throughout his time, including the length of matches from five sets to three, the ball's size and colour and the material of paddles.

"In the past, everything used to be pimpled rubber and now you're a rarity if you see a pimpled bat, they are all thick sponged."

As expected throughout his career, Dunphy featured heavily on the awards that adorn the walls of the NTTTA's home at Elphin Sports Centre.

One of which, aptly named the Peter Dunphy perpetual trophy for the most successful player, he features on seven times for division two.

It's these successes and seeing other people go the same that he considers a career highlight.

"Winning pennants when you've got beginners [in your team] and you bring them up to hopefully win one," he said.

"The enthusiasm just glows when they win and it's great to see that."

After estimating he's played more than 10,000 matches, Dunphy isn't looking to slow down.

"I'd like to go another 10 years [but] it depends on your health," he said.

"I've had injuries in the past that have curtailed me along the way but I'd still like to be playing and be as involved as I have."