Guyana’s National Paralympic Table Tennis Champion Gibran Safaraz has earned selection to the prestigious International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Para Table Tennis High-Performance Training Camp, a major step in his quest to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
The elite training programme will be held from August 2–6, 2026, in Spokane, Washington, USA, bringing together some of the region’s most promising para table tennis athletes for world-class coaching and development.
Safaraz secured his place in the programme after being nominated by the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA). The ITTF recognized his outstanding potential and long-term prospects, selecting him as one of the region’s emerging talents in para table tennis.
A Level 10 international para athlete, Safaraz has proudly represented Guyana at the Parapan American Games and, during his career, achieved a world ranking inside the Top 30. His latest selection reflects not only his accomplishments on the international stage but also the confidence the global table tennis community has in his continued development.
The high-performance camp will provide participants with world-class coaching, advanced technical and tactical training, sports science support and invaluable international competition exposure. According to the GTTA, the programme is a key milestone in Safaraz’s long-term preparation and qualification pathway for the 2028 Paralympics.
The Association believes the opportunity represents a significant investment not only in Safaraz’s career but also in the continued growth of para table tennis in Guyana.
Safaraz said the invitation has strengthened his resolve to pursue Paralympic qualification.
“This opportunity has reignited my motivation and determination. I am fully committed to doing everything possible to qualify for Los Angeles 2028 and proudly represent Guyana on the Paralympic stage. I know the work ahead will be demanding, but I am ready to embrace the challenge.”
The GTTA also expressed appreciation to the International Table Tennis Federation for its continued investment in athlete development and high-performance initiatives, noting that such programmes continue to provide athletes from developing nations with access to world-class training opportunities.
Safaraz’s selection marks another significant achievement for Guyanese para sport and underscores the country’s growing presence in international table tennis. As he prepares to train alongside elite athletes in the United States, the national champion will be aiming to translate the experience into stronger performances on the international circuit and ultimately secure his place at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
