Asunción, Paraguay – Venezuela’s young table tennis players are making waves on the international stage, securing a gold medal in the U-11 men’s team event and a bronze in the U-13 women’s team event at the South American Championships, which began March 14th and runs through March 20th. The victories signal a promising future for the sport in Venezuela and demonstrate the impact of investment in youth development programs.
The U-11 men’s team, comprised of Gabriel Angarita and Tommy Golding, enjoyed a dominant run to the title. After receiving a bye directly into the quarterfinals, the duo defeated Argentina 3-1 in their opening match. They continued their impressive form in the semifinals, overcoming Brazil 3-1 to secure their place in the championship final.
In the decisive match, Angarita and Golding showcased their skill and composure, defeating Brazil once again with a convincing 3-0 victory to claim the gold medal. This win isn’t simply a youth tournament triumph; it’s a statement about the growing strength of Venezuelan table tennis. The pair’s success highlights the dedication and teamwork fostered within the national program.
Women’s Team Secures Bronze
The Venezuelan women’s team as well contributed to the medal haul, with Sofía Pérez and Loriadni Pineda earning a bronze medal in the U-13 team event. Like their male counterparts, they received a bye into the quarterfinals, where they defeated Ecuador 3-1.
However, their journey ended in the semifinals against a strong Brazilian team. A closely contested match saw Brazil emerge victorious 3-2, leaving Pérez and Pineda with the bronze medal. Despite the narrow defeat, the result represents a significant achievement for the young Venezuelan players.
Both Angarita and Golding are part of the Proyecto de Masificación Nacional, a national initiative aimed at identifying and training over 1,000 children over eight years for international table tennis competition. The program focuses on a consistent, nationwide approach to skill development, ensuring all participants receive the same training regardless of their location within Venezuela. This strategic investment in grassroots development appears to be paying dividends.
Just days before the South American Championship, Venezuelan athletes also competed at the WTT Youth Contender Asunción 2026, achieving several notable results across the U-19, U-17, and U-11 age groups. This broader success underscores the depth of talent emerging within the Venezuelan table tennis community.
The Venezuelan team’s participation continues this Wednesday, March 18th, with competition in the doubles (men’s and women’s) and mini-cadet categories. The athletes will aim to build on their recent successes and add to Venezuela’s medal count. The federation is hopeful that continued support and resources will allow these young talents to reach their full potential.
This victory isn’t just a win for Venezuela; it’s a positive sign for the entire South American table tennis community. It demonstrates that focused investment in youth programs can yield tangible results and that the region is capable of producing world-class athletes. The success of Angarita, Golding, Pérez, and Pineda serves as an inspiration for aspiring table tennis players throughout the continent.
Next Up: The Venezuelan team will compete in doubles and mini-cadet events on Wednesday, March 18th, as they continue their campaign at the South American Championships in Asunción, Paraguay. Fans can follow updates through the Federación Venezolana de Tenis de Mesa’s social media channels.
What do you think of Venezuela’s rising table tennis stars? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
