Many within the sporting fraternity have emphasized the importance of exposing Guyana’s budding athletes to international high-performance training engagements in the absence of an encouraging local sports environment to harness local talent but few have had an elastic imagination to match their words with action.
That has prompted Miguel Wong, a former junior national Table Tennis player who harbours ambitions of representing Guyana at the senior level and further afield, to take matters into his own hands.
Wong, on his own accord, reached out to corporate Guyana and elicited their support to advance his development at the Sachsischer Table Tennis club’s three-month training camp in Eilenburg, Germany which commenced September 1; the camp will conclude in December.
The 18-year-old will spend the next few months at the institution honing his ping-pong skills to begin the process of realising his dreams. His proactive attitude was activated to escape the wrath of a negligent attitude towards sports.
“I’ve gotten the privilege to train with world-class players from Egypt, Russia, Columbia, Mexico, Romania, Morocco and Poland; occasionally other players stop by the club to train before their league matches here in Germany,” Wong told to Stabroek Sport of his initial impressions at the German club.
Underscoring the value of embracing the modern science of the sport, Wong sought to point out some of the technical nuances he has so far been exposed to.
“Everything here is more technical. [The focus is on] spin placement than speed and power… that comes later. I’m still getting used to the climate and weather conditions as it’s coming into winter.
“A lot of higher-level players and a lot of ball play. We train in pairs and we rotate,” he added.
The Titans Table Tennis Club player has also received his player’s report from the European coaches who are putting in individual one-on-one work with the Guyanese.
“[My] footwork and conditioning are fine. [There are] minor flaws in my backhand top and counter spin techniques which we are currently working on. I’m working with a coach from Romania, Andras Turoczy who plays with the Romanian National Team,” he said.
Wong said the opportunity is a dream come through and noted that he relishes the chance to have
his game dissected under a microscope and reconstructed in some instances. His time in Germany has seen him being offered the opportunity to possibly go pro.
“Yes. After over eight years of training in Guyana, my talent is finally being recognised overseas as I’ve already been given options of playing for clubs in the League Matches here in Germany.
“Nothing is confirmed yet but most likely hopefully next season in the new year I’ll be able to play in the German League matches.”
Wong’s opportunity was made possible by Ready Mix Concrete, Kings Jewelry, Beacon Cafe, Power Producers & Distributors inc, Demerara Bakery, Payless Variety Store and parents and members of the Titans Table Tennis Club all of whom he is grateful for.
