Teenage table tennis sensation Isabella Mary Lekueta commenced 2026 in style after being selected for the Oceania Youth Talent Team and attending an elite training camp in China last month.
Lekueta was amongst nine players who trained at the prestigious Chengdu National Key Table Tennis Training School from 4–18 January, marking a major milestone in her young career and a proud moment for Solomon Islands table tennis.
Solomon Islands Table Tennis Federation (SITTF) Development Officer and Lekueta’s coach, Gary Nuopula, called the camp a huge win for both the player and the sport in the country.
“It’s a big achievement for Isabella, who started at the grassroots level. This is also a win for SITTF,” Nuopula said.
He added that her journey sets a clear path for other young players.
“What Isabella has learned at the camp, she will share with her school, community, and fellow players. Her journey will inspire other young table tennis players in the country to believe in themselves,” he said.
The Oceania Youth Talent Team was selected based on 2025 competition results, potential, and support from national associations.
The 15-year-old was one of four girls chosen to represent the Solomon Islands alongside players from Australia and French Polynesia.
“This camp is just the beginning. With the right exposure, overseas training will help her grow technically, mentally, and professionally, while also opening doors for other young talents,” Nuopula said.
During the two-week camp, players trained up to six hours a day in a professional environment, focusing on technique, tactics, fitness, and mental preparation.
They gained first-hand experience of what it takes to compete at the highest international levels.
The training camp is part of the Oceania Development Program, supported by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
Nuopula expressed gratitude to ITTF-Oceania and the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) for supporting Lekueta’s travel and participation.
Late last year, Lekueta also made headlines at the SITTF 2025 National Championship, winning two major titles at just 15.
She had already debuted for the senior national team at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, reaching the quarterfinals in both team and doubles events.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
