23 PH netters in Chinese goodwill meet

BEIJING – The Table Tennis Association for National Development (TATAND) took part in the third edition of their goodwill meet with counterparts from this famous Chinese capital yesterday at the Capital Institute of Physical Education.

Twenty-three young players, mostly from the UAAP and NCAA, participated in the meet held not only to help strengthen ties between the Philippines and China but to also gain international exposure.

John Misal, who three weeks ago led National University to the UAAP men’s crown while winning the league’s Most Valuable Player award, was among the players who were selected based on their performances in the 12th Uni-Orient Cup.

Uni-Orient Travel Agency Chairman Stephen Techico, who has backed both the Uni-Orient Cup and the goodwill meet, was joined in the trip by PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez as well as members of the Filipino-Chinese community.

The delegation also composed of coaches paid a courtesy call to the Philippine Embassy shortly after arriving Wednesday. Consul General Elizabeth Te hosted the group in lieu of Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana, who had a prior engagement in Mongolia.

“This is a welcome event for us because it helps not only people at the government level but also people who are in the sports arena who can really build ties between two peoples through friendly matches,” said Te.

“This is very important to build rapport between two countries which have been frozen for five years,” Te added, referring to the improving ties of both nations.

The goodwill meet has been held since 2015 by TATAND with support from Techico and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Rio Olympian Ian Lariba was part of the first two stagings of the competition.