by Ian Marshall, Editor

Present for the gathering were members of the national team, alongside several notable dignitaries.

Significantly, Kael Becerra, the Under Secretary for Sport and Miguel Angel Mujica, the President of the National Olympic Committee, attended. They graced the occasion alongside Rodrigo Alvarado, the Director of the Sports Science Institute of the Saint Tomas University and Henry Reimberg, the President of the Chilean Table Tennis Federation.

“We have been commissioned to give our full support to athletes to prepare in the best way possible for the Pan American Games in Santiago 2023; this event is a Pan American Games qualifier and it is important the players are well prepared for Lima next year.” Kael Becerra

In particular Kael Becerra assured the players, coaches and officials that they can expect the full support of the general public.

“It is a qualifying tournament for Lima 2019, so it makes us very nervous because we have to do well. The Federation has our support; it is very important that the Chilean team is well prepared. We are pleased to welcome to the National Olympic Training Centre, the countries of America; they are most welcome.” Miguel Angel Mujica

Support from Kael Becerra and Miguel Angel Mujica but the man at the helm is Henry Reimberg, he is the person who displayed the initiative to host the event.

“It is super special for me because we are here in front of the Government House; for me this is an emotional moment. We took this tournament three months ago and I am very grateful for the support received from the Ministry of Sports and the National Olympic Committee of Chile. I hope that we will meet expectations when the qualifiers for Lima 2019 are known.” Henry Reimberg

Sitting courtside, as always will be Marcos Nuñez, the National Men’s Team Coach, a player in his day of some stature. He competed in both the Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.

“The expectation and the objectives are clear, to classify. We have very good rankings, we are at home and the boys are eager to show their level. The best of America is coming and it will be very competitive. We hope that the players will be at their best.” Marcos Nuñez

In the crucial 2019 Pan American Games qualification, in the Men’s Team event, Chile occupies the no.2 seeded position behind Brazil but ahead of Argentina and Puerto Rico; in the Women’s Team competition the hosts occupy the no.3 seeded spot. Again Brazil reserves top spot with the United States next in line. Puerto Rico is listed in the no.4 seeded position.