Singapore Table Tennis’ rising star Gu Xintian delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 ITTF Asia Hopes Week & Challenge, held from 30 July to 4 August in Vientiane, Laos .

The Asia Hopes Week & Challenge brought together 29 promising young talents from 11 Asian associations, all competing in a showcase of the continent’s most exciting emerging players.

The programme structure prioritises development over competition, with five days dedicated to intensive training followed by a single day of competitive assessment. This approach ensures participants receive maximum coaching input and technical instruction from the expert staff. 

Singapore was represented by the P5/6 Boys and Girls Champions of the Crocodile Challenge Cup 2025, Neo Cheng Ming and Gu respectively.

Gu demonstrated exceptional skill and composure throughout the week. Advancing to the knockout rounds after finishing 2nd in her group, she secured a well-earned 3rd place finish. Her bronze medal rounds off a commendable outing, marking Singapore’s return to the podium.

Meanwhile, teammate Neo also competed with grit, ultimately placing 6th in his event—an admirable effort in a high-calibre field.

Gu’s success adds to Singapore’s growing legacy in fostering young table tennis talent. The Asia Hopes Week serves as a critical stepping-stone on the athlete development pathway, and Gu’s performance underscores the effectiveness of this nurturing environment