The Canadian Table Tennis Team has arrived in Asunción, Paraguay, for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, held from August 9 to 23. Table Tennis will be contested from August 16 to 21 at the historic National Sports Secretariat (SND), a venue at the heart of Asunción known for its world-class facilities and legacy of sports development.

Team Canada Athletes

  • Natalie Chan – 17, San Jose, California

  • Jessie Xu – 17, Oakville, Ontario

  • Kenny Ly – 18, Lachine, Quebec

  • Laurent Jutras-Vigneault – 19, Blainville, Quebec

Coaches

  • Zhaowei (Raymond) Zhang – Oakville, Ontario

  • Maxime Surprenant – Lasalle, Quebec

The team will compete in team events, singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

What It Means to Represent Canada

For the athletes, wearing the maple leaf is both an honour and a responsibility:

  • “It is a big honour for me to represent my country and community on such an international stage. I want to make them proud,” shared Laurent Jutras-Vigneault.

  • “Representing Canada and my community at an international competition means a lot to me. It shows the hard work I’ve put into training,” said Jessie Xu.

  • Kenny Ly echoed the sentiment, “It is always special to compete for Canada, and I am excited to give my best.”

  • For Raymond Zhang, coach of the girls’ team, “This honour is a wonderful experience. I’m happy to support our athletes as they step onto this stage.”

Preparation and Goals

In the months leading up to Asunción, the athletes intensified their training both on and off the table:

  • Laurent focused on “adjusting his game for consistency and mental strength.”

  • Jessie worked on refining her techniques and mindset, saying “I want to compete with confidence.”

  • Kenny pushed himself with intense sessions, aiming to “give it my absolute best.”

  • Coach Maxime Surprenant explained, “Our main objective is that athletes enjoy their time, gain experience, and leave with valuable lessons.”

When it comes to goals, the athletes were clear:

  • On the table, they want to fight for every point and measure themselves against the best in the Americas.

  • Off the table, they hope to connect with athletes from other countries, learn, and enjoy the experience of a multi-sport Games.

Beyond the Table

Of course, athletes also carry small personal items that keep them grounded during competition.

  • Laurent always travels with two pairs of headphones, Jessie with her laptop, Kenny with a good luck charm, while Raymond brings along books and tea to relax.

A Growing Opportunity for Canadian Athletes

Team Canada at Asunción 2025 features 157 athletes aged 13 to 23 across 22 sports, a major growth from Cali 2021. The Junior Pan American Games are quickly becoming an essential stepping stone for young athletes on the pathway to future Pan Am and Olympic Games.

Follow the Action

Fans can follow the schedule, draws, and results here: Asunción 2025 Results

You can also watch Team Canada athletes in action on the Panam Sports Channel.