Asian junior table tennis champs come to a successful close

Laos on Tuesday hosted a medal presentation ceremony at the close of the Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships, which took place in Vientiane from September 1-6.

Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, Mr Khalil Al Mohannadi, officials, sponsors and winners on Tuesday gather at the ITECC Mall in Vientiane for the closing ceremony of the Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships.

More than 160 young table tennis players from 18 countries took part in the championships, including 16 from Laos.
They competed in the U-15 category (boys’ and girls’ singles, boys’ and girls’ team events) and the U-19 category (boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles, mixed, boys’ and girls’ team, and girls’ team events).
The championships were supported by the Asian Table Tennis Union and various sponsors from Vientiane.
The Lao players benefitted from the experience and Laos looks forward to hosting bigger and better events at the international level, supported by the Asian Table Tennis Union.
The championships put Laos’ organisational skills to the test and sports officials were pleased with the outcome.
Although the Lao team was not among the medal winners, they put in a solid performance against some tough competitors.
The championships were another rung in the development ladder for Lao table tennis players and sports officials, who are now hopeful of greater things on the international stage.
The Lao Table Tennis Federation and Lao referees gained useful experienced from the championships.
President of the Lao Table Tennis Federation, Ms Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun, said the Asian Table Tennis Union was considering authorising Laos to host more events in the future, but this would need to be discussed in detail. 
Ms Sengdeuane said Laos’ junior players were very enthusiastic about the championships and relished the opportunity to improve their skills against highly competitive players from other countries. They now looked forward to competing in other international events in the future.
Medals were presented to the winners at the closing ceremony on Tuesday. The event was attended by Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, President of the Asian Table Tennis Union, Mr Khalil Al Mohannadi, senior officials, and sponsors.
The winners, and those placed second in each division, will have an opportunity to compete in the World Youth Championships later this year. The team from China was the outright winner with five gold, three silver and eight bronze medals. The Japanese team came second place with four gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
India came third with one gold and three bronze medals, while Thailand placed fourth place with one gold medal.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 8, 2022)