Left to Right: Coach Josh Alexandre, Eli Ho, Lucas Alexandre, Yelena Yi Angel Han, and Coach Hyojoo Lee.
New Zealand U15 Athletes Selected for ITTF Rising Stars Training Camp
Yelena Yi
Four of New Zealand’s Under 15 athletes are currently gaining valuable international experience at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Rising Stars Training Camp in Mississauga, Canada from 9 to 14 May 2026.
Lucas Alexandre, Angel Han, Yelena Yi and Eli Ho are participating in the ITTF Rising Stars Training Camp, which forms part of the ITTF High Performance Training Activities Calendar. The initiative brings together talented young athletes from around the world for intensive training and international development opportunities.
Following the camp, the athletes will continue their international tour by competing at two World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender events:
• WTT Youth Contender Mississauga 2026 (15 to 18 May)
• WTT Youth Contender San Francisco II 2026 (22 to 25 May)
The athletes are supported by coaches Hyojoo Lee and Josh Alexandre during the tour.
Angel Han and Eli Ho
Eli Ho said he is honoured to be selected for the Rising Stars training camp and grateful for the opportunity to represent New Zealand internationally.
“Being selected for Rising Stars training camp is such an honour. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I’m most excited about training with other high level players and learning from the experience. Representing New Zealand means everything to me, and I just want to make my family and everyone who’s supported me proud.”
Angel Han said representing New Zealand motivates her to continue improving.
“Being a representative of New Zealand is very important to me; it is something that I am proud of. It motivates me to give my best and make everyone who’s supported me proud.”
Lucas Alexandre
Lucas Alexandre said he is enjoying reconnecting with players from around the world.
“It is exciting to see my friends that I haven’t seen in a long time.”
Yelena Yi said she is excited for the opportunity to learn from athletes internationally.
"I am super honoured to be part of Rising Stars and I am enjoying the opportunity to train with athletes from different countries. I’m doing my best to perform well at the camp and learn as much as I can from the experience."
TTNZ would like to thank the ITTF for providing international development opportunities for New Zealand athletes through both the ITTF Rising Stars Training Camp and the “With The Future In Mind” Scholarship programme. These initiatives continue to support promising young athletes through high level training, international competition exposure and athlete development opportunities.
New Zealand athletes Eli Ho, Lucas Alexandre and Angel Han were announced in April 2026 as recipients of the “With The Future In Mind” Scholarship. The initiative continues to play an important role in developing the next generation of athletes and growing the sport globally.
TTNZ congratulates all athletes and coaches involved and wishes them all the best for the ITTF Rising Stars Training Camp and upcoming WTT Youth Contender events.
