By Stephan Sookram

THE return of the National Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships last weekend following a four-year hiatus bore much fruit for many persons and helped to build their confidence.One such athlete to gain a much-needed boost last weekend was 10-year-old Kaysan Ninvalle.
Kaysan, the brother of former champion Khalil and son of current Guyana Boxing Association president Steve Ninvalle, easily carted off the 11-years-and-under Boys’ title in last weekend’s tournament.
Moving up to the Under-13 division, the 10-year-old also pushed past Niron Bissu 3-1 and Isaiah Layne to take the top spot in tenacious style.
He also upped his game and competition level to play with the big boys in the Under-15 round-robin class where he gained exposure and also picked up a second-place finish to crown off a wonderful weekend.
Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Kaysan confirmed that capturing those titles “felt good” adding, “I want to thank my coach and the students currently training with me.”
“I also will work harder to win the other categories that I missed out on,” contended the 10-year-old.
According to Kasyan’s father Steve, “Seeing him excel is a joy, and it’s more of a joy to see him excel at something he enjoys. It’s not something we force him to do.”
In a word to parents, Ninvalle said, “We, as parents, have to guide our children and support them. We have got to listen, see and support them in whatever avenues they may choose,” contended Ninvalle.
Meanwhile, the sky is the limit, for the young tennis star has already shown the Caribbean his talents with silver and bronze medals in the 2013 Caribbean Championships and has been playing Under-11 since age eight.
He currently trains under the National coach Linden Johnson at the Table Tennis Academy.