Young talent Akaiah Aris Kaltoi is gaining exposure alongside fellow friends at the ITTF-Oceania Hopes Under-12 Training Camp in New Caledonia this week.

This is the first time Vanuatu is taking part in such a program after many years without participating in similar events with other countries.

The ITTF-Oceania Hopes program selects Under-12 children from across Oceania to participate. It includes a training camp organized by ITTF-Oceania, bringing together these children to train with their respective coaches.

Akaiah Aris Kaltoi is the only participant representing Vanuatu at the one-week training camp, which will conclude at the end of this week.

According to the latest report received by VBTC Sports from New Caledonia, training sessions for Akaiah and other participants from Oceania are in full swing, with coaches assisting them in their development — including Head Coach Hongbo Liang and Ocean Belrose.

A total of 15 boys and 14 girls from Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Vanuatu are part of the training camp.

After spending the past few days in training, participants are now looking forward to competition day, which will take place on Friday.

Akaiah’s participation in the training camp will help boost more children’s involvement in the sport and encourage them to take part in similar programs.

Akaiah Aris Kaltoi is the eldest son of Vanuatu female table tennis legend Anolyn Lulu, who accompanied him to New Caledonia.

Following the Under-12 Hopes training camp, Anolyn will join other male Vanuatu table tennis players at the New Caledonia Open 2025 next week.