EMERGING table tennis player Manoka Nou is the new U15 Girls champion following her participation in the 2024 XYZ National Table Tennis Championship in Port Moresby this week.

The 12-year old from Tubusereia village, Central has taken this sport seriously following in her grandfather’s footsteps.

She is the granddaughter of Veteran and former PNG Table Tennis Rea Loi and aspires to becomes like her uncles who have also followed the same pathway.

Manoka’s mum Nanai said “She started at a very young age, and has been playing competitively for quite some time especially in our competitions back home.”

“Her role model is her uncle and my younger brother Geoffrey (Loi) who’s currently away for studies in China.”

She said like all of her siblings she wants to give her best and also represent the country in the future.

In the recent championship, Nou put a tough contest against opponent Shantelle Raka (Kadeboro) however lost 2-1 (9-11, 12-10, 16-14) in a nail biting finish.

To make up for her loss, she got an easy win and claimed the U15 Girls championship title after defeating Kadeboro’s Makayla Loi 2-0 (11-5, 11-8).

Manoka’s grandfather Rea Loi said seeing her start an early age and become competitive at this level is the way to go as she aims to represent PNG one day.

“It’s pleasing to see that my grandchildren are following in their parents’ footsteps in table tennis as they did during my time.”

“The code doesn’t belong to us, it’s all about the passion and commitment that has brought them this far and now seeing Manoka come this far is a result of her hard work,” Loi added.

He said having his children and grandchildren follow in his footstep is something he’s grateful for; setting the foundation of his legacy to be remembered in the future.