(by Thilina Piyadasa)
As a proud father, it brings me immense joy to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of my children, Tashiya and Tiana, in 2023 US National Table Tennis Championship held in Fort Worth, Texas from 3-7th July 2023. These talented siblings have showcased their incredible skills and achieved remarkable success in their respective age groups, and beyond their age groups.
Tashiya’s performance in the Girls U13 category is truly inspiring. Displaying an unwavering focus and impressive technique, she emerged victorious as the USA National Champion in this age group with zero game loss for the entire event (3-0 wins against all other participants). Additionally, her exceptional talents carried her to the final stage of the Girls’ U15 event, which was very challenging, and she proved herself worthy of the finalist position.
Tashiya’s 10-year-old younger sister, Tiana, also had a successful US National Table Tennis tournament. In the Girls U13 tournament, she showcased her exceptional abilities by reaching the final stage, competing with determination and a great amount of patience. Tiana’s remarkable skill also drove her to the semifinals in the fiercely competitive Girls U11 category. She also was the finalist for the U11 Girls doubles and U11 Mixed doubles category respectively.
Witnessing Tashiya and Tiana facing off against each other in the national finals of the Girls U13 division was an unforgettable memory. This unique siblings’ rivalry showcased their shared dedication to the sport and competitive edge that pushes them to their limits. Their battle not only captivated spectators but also highlighted their skills and provided immense pride to our family.
Tashiya and Tiana’s endeavors on the table tennis court have been rewarded with spots in USA Junior National Teams. Tashiya, secured her place in both the U13 and U15 national teams and Tiana earned spots in the U11 and U13 USA national teams for the year of 2023. Both Tashiya and Tiana will be representing USA in the upcoming ITTF Pan American U11 & U13 Championships, Masquera (COL) from Oct 9-15, 2023. Tashiya also made the top 4 for U15 and will be representing US for ITTF Pan American Youth Championships (U15 & U19), Charleston (USA): Jul 23-30, 2023. This enduring accomplishment is a testament to their efforts, commitment, and unwavering passion for the sport.
As a father, I could not be prouder to witness the extraordinary achievements that Tashiya and Tiana have accomplished in US National Table Tennis. The future undoubtedly holds endless possibilities for these young athletes, and I am honored to be their guiding force as they reach for even greater heights in table tennis. A big thank you to Bowmer sports, OCTTA and all who supported my kids.
