Taavi wins TT Silver in Philippines

Sri Lankas promising Table Tennis player Taavi Samaraweera created history when he  won silver  medal in under 11 boys catagory at the World Table Tennis Youth Contender in Philippines 2025.

Taavi  the 9-year-old paddler from  S.Thomas Mt Lavinia is the first Sril ankan to reach finals in a world youth event in any age group. Taavi beat  Australian top player Samuel Shwe in the semi finals 3-1 to reach the final against Hu Kai Xiang of Chienese Taipei.

Taavi is possibly the first non Indian South Asian Table tennis player to reach World Youth finals in a singles event and also to get in to top 6 world rankings in any age group.

He also  reached quarter finals (top 8) in the under 13 catagory as well. Taavi also holds the title being the highest rated under 11 boys player in Sri Lanka 2025.

Taavi is the son of former National player Hasitha Samaraweera who is  a renowned coach in this sport. Hasitha is the present coach of Taavi who just began his journey. The young paddlerl became the first Sri Lankan player to reach the top 70 world rankings in any age group of senior level and now he became the first Sri Lankan player to reach the final of world Youth event in any age group.a

Source:Daily News