Learning curve for Lohia in table tennis

 By SHEILA MALKEN

YOUNG Geru Elizabeth Lohia was the only female from Team PNG to advance to the knockout stages of women’s singles table tennis event last week after winning the group games.

Growing up in her home village, Hanuabada, Lohia, aged 11, started playing table tennis in 2011.

“As a child, I was inspired by seeing others playing in the village,” the 15-year-old said. 

Her first experience was taking part in the Oceania table tennis championships in 2013 in Bendigo, Australia.

Lohia’s second overseas trip was to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games last July as part of the PNG women’s team.  

She is currently number three in the PNG women’s table tennis and was a winner at the PNG Games late last year in Lae, Morobe.

During the Pacific Games here in home soil, Lohia played against New Caledonia, Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu in the team events.

In the individual women’s singles, she had wins against Palau’s Renguul Zoya 3-1 and Roanna Abel of Vanuatu 3-2.

She made it through the knockout stages on Thursday but lost to Rachel Hsiao of Tahiti 4-1.

Before training, Lohia started at the Port Moresby International School in March. She went for a four-weeks training session in China.

Lohia said: “I did gain good experience and exposure in this event (Pacific Games).

She describes her opponents from Tahiti, New Caledonia and Vanuatu, as tough.

“They are tough in this game, but I put my best effort and matched them stroke for stroke.

“I have learnt lot of skills and tactics from this event and will improve on that to go to the top level in Oceania and the Pacific region.”

Team manager Arvn Rao said Lohia played very well with a competitive spirit.