Table Tennis head wants more females involved in the sport

President of the Barbados Table Tennis Association (BTTA), Trevor Farley, has raised concerns over the lack of female participation in the sport, as preparations intensify for the 2025 Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Championships, set to take place in Barbados from June 17 to 27.

Speaking at the official media launch at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium yesterday, Farley acknowledged that table tennis in Barbados continues to be perceived as a male-dominated sport and called for renewed efforts to change that narrative.

“I guess generally table tennis is thought to be a more male-oriented sport,” Farley said. “In the past, we had some very strong female players, and we need to get back to that level by encouraging more girls to take part and showing them the benefits of the game.”

He believes the BTTA’s school-to-school programme can play a vital role in raising awareness and attracting new talent, especially with rising stars such as seven-year-old Jakaila Hoyte, who impressed at the Caribbean Regional Youth Championships in April.

“With her as the poster girl for local table tennis, more girls will want to be like her,” he added. “We’ll be launching the programme all over the country, and hopefully we can uncover some new talent, even in areas like St Lucy and beyond.”

Farley said the association hopes to relaunch inter-school competitions between now and the start of the new school term in September.

“We need to meet with principals and P.E. teachers at each school, and carry out site visits to determine which schools can accommodate tables and safely store them,” he explained. “We don’t want them to be used once and then left for coffee or drinks. There is a plan in motion, and we’ll try to roll out the competition in the coming months.”

His comments came as he officially announced the national women’s squad for the regional championships— Krystle Harvey, Anthonette Riley, Ann Reid, and Kenady King, with Qodesh Weekes named as the additional player.

However, Farley acknowledged the stark contrast in depth compared to the men’s squad, which includes four extra players.

“We couldn’t field four extra women because, in our sport right now, we are lacking in female participation,” he said. “Hopefully, by the end of this tournament, we’ll spark more interest among the ladies and see them come forward.”

The Caribbean Regional Championships also serve as a qualifier for the ITTF Pan American Championships, which will be held from October 12 to 19 at the Rock Hill Sports and Events Centre in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Twelve countries are expected to compete, with nine contesting the team events and three participating in singles and doubles only. Strong performances across all disciplines will secure qualification to the Pan Am stage.

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