04/02/2026
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๐๐๐๐๐๐ | Breathe, Focus, Serve
Three simple actions that define the journey of Ado James I. Cagatin, a 15-year-old table tennis athlete from Malitbog, Southern Leyte, who recently secured a spot in the EVRAA Meet after winning the Provincial Meet.
Ado began playing table tennis at the age of 13, drawn by a growing passion for the sport and the promise of a future within it. He chose table tennis because it matched his skills and did not require height as an advantage.
Like many student-athletes, Adoโs journey has not been easy. He faces the pressure of expectations, balancing academics with demanding training schedules, coping with injuries, and endures moments of frustration when progress is not immediately seen. There were times when he thought of giving up, but he found strength in remembering why he started and in seeing how far he had already come.
His dedication bore fruit this year when he claimed victory at the Provincial Meet, earning him a spot in the EVRAA Meet. The achievement marked his first major milestone in the sport.
But this huge achievement cannot be made without a huge preparation. A month before competitions, Ado follows a strict diet to improve agility and increases his training hours, sharpening his skills while preparing himself both physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.
Through table tennis, Ado has learned the value of perseverance, self-discipline, and hard work. He draws inspiration from his family, whom he hopes to make proud, and from professional players such as Zhang Jike and Timo Boll, whose excellence continues to push him to train harder and aim higher.
As Ado himself reminds young athletes, โDonโt quit. Train hard, chase your dreams, and always trust in God.โ His journey stands as an inspiration, showing that with discipline, perseverance, and passion, every student-athlete has the power to overcome challenges and achieve success both in sports and in life.
๐๏ธ | Zyrel Anne Pajamutang, The Echoes
๐ผ๏ธ | Brylle Dureza, The Echoes