First Pinay table tennis player to qualify for Olympics takes school leave, gears up for Rio

The first Filipina table tennis player to qualify for the Olympics is now preparing for her debut in the most prestigous world stage in Rio.

Ian Lariba, who plays for De La Salle University women's table tennis team, has secured a leave of absence from her school in order to prepare for the Summer Games in August.

The 21-year-old is scheduled to leave for the Olympiad on July 25.

Her Korean coach, Kwon  Mi Sook, regarded her as a world-class talent who is truly passionate about her sport.

Lariba, who is nicknamed Yan-yan, said she will take it one game at a time as she battles the best table tennis players in the world in the Olympics. — APG, GMA News