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Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) president Ting Ledesma said on Thursday that the Philippine Teams’ impressive campaign in the international arena will further boost the confidence of Filipino young table netters.
The National Team made up of players who participated in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last May, is set to participate in the Asian Championship on September 3-10 in South Korea, while PTTF is doubling its effort in preparing for the hosting of the World Junior Championship in October in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
“We’re happy to say that table tennis is getting better and the recent success of our national team in tournaments abroad for the past few months has a big impact, especially on the youth who continue embarking into sports, “ said Ledesma who continues the PTTF program despite many challenges they facing including lack of funds and limited financial assistance from the government.
“We understand the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) because we are not the only sports they support. But we’re proud to say that through the years we’re not dependent on the PSC, we just try to get the reimbursement, kung hindi mabigyan, talo-talo tayo dyan,” said Ledesma in the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) ‘Usapang Sports’ this Thursday at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
Ledesma, who was joined by ‘Father of Memory Games’ Roberto Racasa, also mentioned in the program sponsored by PSC, Behrouz Persian Cuisine, and Pocari Sweat that the Philippine Team used to facilitate the funding coming from friends, the private sector, and from his own pocket.
“Abono muna kami, kung makakakuwa ng reimbursement, mas better dahil were looking also to participate in the Asian Championship.
“We don’t have a problem with the PSC, but to speed up the process of our participation, I’m just looking for someone for help. After that, I just re-reimbursed the cost complete with the receipt, “ added Ledesma.
Kheith Rhynne Cruz, the No.1 women’s player in the country, will lead the PH team in Korea with the goal of winning a medal that will give the team renewed vigor before the World Junior event in Palawan.
The 16-year-old Cruz is coming off a successful campaign at the SEA Youth table tennis championship in Brunei where she won two golds (singles and doubles events) and led the girls’ team to a silver medal finish in the team event.
With the help of Puerto Princes, Palawan Mayor Lucilo Bayron, Ledesma announced the readiness for the World Junior championship which is expected to be attended by more than 30 teams.
“Last year, Keith’s younger brother Mhelvin won silver here. His podium finish paved the way for him to be given scholarship training in France. The Cruz siblings will lead our team. We’re grateful and thankful to Mayor Bayron for his help for the hosting,” according to Ledesma.
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