(by: Edgardo Vázquez /Puerto Rico National Coach )
There are moments in life that profoundly mark one’s professional and personal journey. This week, I experienced one of them when I debuted as Puerto Rico’s adult national coach at my first World Table Tennis Championship, held in Qatar 2025.
And it couldn’t have started any better: with a victory.
My first match as a coach at a World Championship was alongside Brian Afanador, who faced Australian Hwan Bae, a talented and well-rounded player. It was a match full of intensity, tactics, and focus. Brian played with maturity, courage, and great clarity in the key moments, achieving a great victory that marks the beginning of our journey in this championship.
From the chair, every point was an unforgettable experience. Feeling the weight of representing my country on the highest stage of world table tennis is something I will never forget. This experience reaffirms how much I love what I do and how grateful I am for this opportunity.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Puerto Rican Table Tennis Federation for trusting me to take on this important role. Carrying the Puerto Rican flag at a World Championship is an honor I accept with pride, dedication, and great commitment.
Thanks also to Brian for his total dedication and for allowing me to accompany him throughout this process. This first World Championship victory together is incredibly meaningful and motivates us to continue striving for more.
We continue to aim high, passionately representing our island.
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