Table tennis: Men’s and women’s teams secure spots in Paris

Brazil’s table tennis teams have secured their places at the 2024 Olympic Games, to be held in Paris, France, after an excellent performance at the Pan American Championships, which came to an end in Havana, Cuba, last Sunday (17). The men’s team qualified by finishing with the gold medal, while the women clinched silver.

The men’s Pan American title (the sixth in six editions of the tournament) was bagged by the squad made up of Hugo Calderano, Eric Jouti, Vitor Ishiy, and Guilherme Teodoro. “We always have to appreciate and enjoy our wins, because we know how difficult it is to win titles. This spot at the Olympic Games is really important for Brazilian table tennis. It’s another step towards achieving special things for Brazil,” said coach Francisco Arado.

The women’s team that won Pan American silver was formed of Laura Watanabe, Bruna Alexandre, and sisters Bruna and Giulia Takahashi. “These Pan-American Championships were special, very important for building a team. We were able to work with the four players in doubles and as a team, in addition to improving their individual performance. And all of them played their roles when they were called to do it. That’s what makes me happiest. Their unity in pursuit of this goal, the Olympic berth, was extraordinary. This qualification is a dream come true and they’re part of it,” said the women’s coach, Jorge Fanck.