Four promising junior table tennis players from Papua New Guinea are set to embark on a month-long summer training camp at the renowned China Table Tennis College.
The four junior table tennis players are: Jonah Loi, Richard Tarabu, Merolyn Moses, and Manoka Nou.
This initiative by the Papua New Guinea Table Tennis Federation (PNGTTF) aims to significantly boost the young athletes’ international exposure and refine their skills at one of the world’s leading facilities.
PNGTTF President George Shao announced the program today at Jackson International terminal, the departure of the four Junior athletes, highlighting its critical role in developing the players’ technical prowess, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude.
“This will expose their experience at an international level because China Table Tennis College is the best training facility in the world,” Shao stated. “It gives them a very good opportunity to improve their skills, technicality, and mental strength.”
This junior camp is a continuation of an ongoing program established in 2018, when the China Table Tennis College training center was set up in PNG.
While the federation typically sends a mix of players, this year’s contingent is exclusively juniors due to senior players will be competing in the Palau Mini Pacific Games.
Shao emphasized the federation’s broader commitment beyond just competitive success. “We are not focusing on the sports; we have to create the pathway for their future career development,” he explained, underscoring the program’s dedication to the athletes’ holistic growth. Shao anticipates that the experience will equip the juniors with invaluable personal and professional skills.