Cuban Para Table Tennis Players Conclude Fruitful Training Camp in Chile

Cuba's para table tennis team completed a productive training camp in preparation for the 2025 Youth Parapan American Games in Chile, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 9.

The Caribbean squad concluded their training session with several practice matches against the conventional youth team of the Román Fernández Academy, where they have been training since their arrival last Saturday.

The sport will feature activities across five dates, beginning on the opening day of the continental event. The six registered Caribbean athletes are making the most of the opportunities available at the facility, particularly the exchange with local players over the age of 16.

Cuban coach Carlos Alberto Díaz expressed satisfaction with the results of training against high-level opponents, noting that the conventional players' skill level provided a significant challenge for his students.

"I am very proud of all of them, as they competed with great determination. If they show that same fighting spirit during the event, it will undoubtedly be a success. It is important that they compete as they did now, and although the tournament will be difficult, we expect the best from them," said the experienced coach from Camagüey.

The team’s standout performer was Jorge Julio Massaguer, who won five matches and only lost to a distinguished 22-year-old opponent. Massaguer finished in fifth place at the previous edition of these games, held in Bogotá in 2023, and last July he earned a bronze medal at the Tango Cup in Argentina.

Coach Díaz also praised Chayanne García, Hubert Matos, Eduardo Pérez, and Mario González, each of whom played five matches and secured at least one victory.

Special mention was made of Ivanna Rodríguez, the only girl and the youngest member of the team at just 13 years old. She celebrated her four matches against male competitors and demonstrated a strong determination to leave a positive impression at the event. This will be Cuba’s second participation in such games, after having placed eighth by country in the most recent edition.

In the Chilean capital, the para athletics and para swimming teams are also preparing, while the para judo and para powerlifting representatives are expected to arrive this week, completing the delegation.