• Sri Lanka’s young table tennis star shines in the global arena

Sri Lanka celebrated a new sporting star this month: 10-year-old Taavi Samaraweera, who has made history by climbing to No. 3 in the Under 11 Boys’ World Table Tennis (WTT) Rankings. 

This is the highest world ranking ever achieved by any Sri Lankan table tennis player in any age group, making Taavi not only a national hero but also the first South Asian player to break into the global top three in this category.

Throughout 2025, Taavi travelled the world competing in WTT World Youth Ranking events from January to November. 

He played against young athletes from every continent representing more than 45 countries. His remarkable consistency earned him 10 medals at WTT Youth Contender tournaments, including one Gold, five Silver, and four Bronze.

One of Taavi’s most historic moments came in Lignano, Italy, where he won the Under 11 Boys’ Singles Gold medal, becoming the first-ever Sri Lankan, in any age group or gender, to win a gold medal at a world table tennis event. 

His achievements have placed Sri Lanka firmly on the global table tennis map and inspired children across the nation to dream big.

In an interview with The Sunday Morning Little Stars, Taavi shared that his biggest dream was to represent Sri Lanka at the Olympics and win a medal for the country. “I want to become one of the top players in the world and make Sri Lanka proud,” he said. 

How did you feel when you found out you had become world No. 3 in the Under 11 Table Tennis Rankings?

I am still only 10 years old, and I feel really happy that I could reach the top three worldwide in the Under 11 category. I still have one more year to compete in this age group, and my short-term goal is to become world No. 1 next year. 

At the beginning of this year, after defeating the world No. 2, I dreamt of becoming one of the best players in the world. 

I believe in myself, and I worked very hard to reach this point. It was a proud moment for me, and it motivates me to keep improving every day.

When did you first start playing table tennis, and what made you fall in love with the sport?

I first started playing table tennis during the Covid-19 period at home. At the beginning it was just for fun, and my father was the one who taught me. 

Even though we were stuck at home, playing table tennis made every day exciting. I quickly fell in love with the sport because it was fast and challenging, and I enjoyed learning new skills with my father. That is how my journey began.

What is the most exciting match you’ve ever played in your life so far?

The most exciting match I’ve played was the final of the WTT Youth Contender Under 11 event in Italy, where I won the Gold medal. 

The match was very tough because there were many strong players. There were champions from Spain, Israel, Singapore, Italy, Malaysia, Poland, and Russia, and even the son of Quadri Aruna from Nigeria. Winning that final was a very special moment for me.

How do you get ready before a big match? Do you have a special routine?

Yes, I have a special routine before every match. I always warm up with my father, Coach Hasitha Samaraweera, on the practice table for at least 40 minutes. 

During this time, he tells me about the opponent’s weaknesses and we practise the specific tactics I need to use in the match. He also gives me advice about the mental side of the game – how to stay calm, focused, and confident. 

This routine helps me feel fully prepared before I step onto the court.

You have travelled to many countries. Which tournament location was your favourite, and why?

It’s difficult for me to choose just one location because each place has given me special memories. Italy is one of my favourites, but Doha, Qatar is also unforgettable. 

At the beginning of this year, during the World Youth Contender in Qatar, I defeated the world No. 2 in the Under 11 category, Rabeah Al-Kuwari, in his home country, right in front of his home crowd. It was a very proud moment for me. 

I also won against the Under 13 world No. 3 at the WTT Youth Star Contender in Qatar. Those victories made Doha a very memorable and meaningful tournament destination for me.

What was the happiest moment from all the international tournaments you played this year?

The happiest moment was winning the Gold medal in Italy. I felt so proud to see the Sri Lankan flag being recognised on a big international stage. It was a moment I will remember forever.

Your parents also train you. What is the best advice they have ever given you?

The best advice they have given me is: “Stay humble, work hard, and never be afraid of anyone on the table.”

They always teach me to respect opponents but to always believe in myself.

Who is your table tennis hero, and what do you admire most about them?

My table tennis hero is Fan Zhendong. I admire his incredible speed, power, and consistency. He never gives up on any point, and his fighting spirit is amazing. 

I also like how focused he stays under pressure and how strong his mindset is. I try to learn from the way he controls the game and his attitude on the table.

How do you balance schoolwork with training and competitions?

I try to manage my time well. When I am at school, I focus on my studies, and when I’m training, my full focus is on the game. 

My teachers support me a lot, and I study during travel breaks or in hotels when I go for tournaments. It’s not easy, but I do my best to balance both.

Do you have a fun hobby or activity you like to do when you’re not playing table tennis?

Yes, I like playing football when I’m not playing table tennis. It helps me relax, stay active, and enjoy time with my friends. I also sometimes draw, cycle, and watch table tennis videos for fun, and also play video games.

What is your biggest dream as a table tennis player?

My biggest dream is to represent Sri Lanka at the Olympics and win a medal for the country. I want to become one of the top players in the world and make Sri Lanka proud.

What message would you like to give other Sri Lankan kids who want to achieve big things like you?

Believe in yourself and never stop working hard, even if things feel difficult. Dreams come true when you keep trying every single day.

If a boy from Sri Lanka can become world No. 3, then you can also achieve great things with dedication and discipline.