President of the Lao Table Tennis Federation, Dr Samlan Phankhavong, senior officials, sponsors and event winners.

Lao players face tough opposition in youth table tennis tournament

Lao players will compete in the boys’ and girls’ U-15 category and the boys’ U-19 division of the 2026 World Table Tennis Youth Contender currently underway in Vientiane, with their matches scheduled for Sunday.

A Malaysian player (left) serves to a Chinese Taipei opponent in the final of the U-15 mixed event.

Hong Kong players (right) shake hands with their Chinese Taipei opponents after triumphing in the U-19 mixed event.

Seven boys are competing in the qualifiers of the U-15 group for a place in the main draw, with 32 players to be selected. Four girls are also competing in the U-15 qualifiers, with 16 players to be selected for the final round.
 
In the U-19 age group, four boys are competing for a place in the main draw, with 64 players taking part.

Despite facing some tough opposition, the Lao team is determined to deliver a strong performance, especially as they are playing on home soil.
The tournament ends on August 3, when trophies will be presented to the winners.
On Saturday, the Lao Table Tennis Federation presented trophies to the winners of completed events. The federation’s President, Dr Samlan Phankhavong, officiated, alongside other senior officials and tournament sponsors.
In the final of the U-19 mixed event, Hong Kong (China) beat the Chinese Taipei team 3-0, while Malaysia overcame their Chinese Taipei opponents 3-2 in the U-15 mixed event.
The World Table Tennis Youth Contender will be followed by the World Table Tennis Feeder tournament, with matches taking place from August 4-8.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update Aug 2, 2026)