Sri Lanka’s Taavi Samaraweera Rises to World No. 1 in Under-11 Table Tennis
image source: youtube
article source based on the follwing two Sri Lankan Newspaper articles: dailynews.lk & newswire.lk
Sri Lanka’s table tennis fraternity is celebrating a historic milestone as Taavi Samaraweera, a student of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, has been ranked World No. 1 in the Under-11 Boys category in the latest rankings released by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). This remarkable achievement marks the first time a Sri Lankan player has reached the top of the world rankings at any age level in table tennis.
Taavi is also the Sri Lankan National No. 1 player in the Under-11 Boys category for 2025, further cementing his status as the country’s most promising young paddler.
Behind Taavi’s extraordinary rise is the unwavering guidance of his father and coach, Hasitha Samaraweera, a highly respected international table tennis coach with over a decade of experience. Hasitha has produced numerous Senior and Junior National Champions in Sri Lanka and has also worked extensively with international players across several countries, earning recognition for his innovative coaching methods and global expertise.
Taavi began his table tennis journey at the tender age of four under his father’s meticulous coaching. Drawing on his vast experience, Hasitha has played a pivotal role in developing Taavi’s technical skills, discipline, and competitive mindset, laying a strong foundation for sustained success.
His talent became evident early. At just six years old, Taavi secured third place at the All-Island Novices Under-9 Championships, competing against older players. A year later, he claimed both the Western Province and All-Island Novices Under-7 titles, announcing himself as a prodigious talent.
Now aged nine, Taavi has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in world table tennis. In addition to his World No. 1 ranking in the Under-11 category, he is also ranked 11th in the world Under-11 and 67th in the Under-13 Boys category, an exceptional feat for a player of his age. Gaining international exposure has played a key role in accelerating his development and competitive edge.
Notably, Taavi is the first Sri Lankan table tennis player to break into the world’s top 12 rankings in any age group or at senior level. He is also the first Sri Lankan to be ranked within the world’s top 70 in two age categories simultaneously, a testament to his exceptional dedication, talent, and rapid progression.
With his historic achievements already rewriting Sri Lanka’s table tennis record books, Taavi Samaraweera’s journey is only just beginning—and the future looks extraordinarily bright.
