Table Tennis has become one of the most popular sports in Brazil in recent years. The country has many talented players, both male and female, who are capable of competing on the international stage.
With the support of the Brazilian Table Tennis Federation (CBTM), many of these players have achieved great success in the sport. In this article, we will be looking at some of the best table tennis players in Brazil and their accomplishments.
We will also explore how they have helped to shape the sport in the country and how their success has impacted the Brazilian table tennis community.
1. Hugo Calderano
Hugo Marinho Borges Calderano is a talented table tennis player from Brazil who achieved a remarkable milestone in January 2022. He rose to the third spot in the ITTF World Rankings, which made him the greatest player from the Americas of all time.
This historic accomplishment was even more remarkable given that he was the first-ever player from Latin America to enter the Top 10 of the ITTF rankings. Throughout his career, Hugo has been an inspiration for aspiring table tennis players in Latin America.
His hard work and dedication have paid off and he has set a benchmark for all those who are aiming to reach the top of the rankings. He has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve success in a sport that is dominated by players from Asia and Europe.
Hugo’s success is a testament to the quality of table tennis in the Americas. He has shown that players from the region have the potential to compete with the best in the world. His story has inspired many to believe that they can also reach the pinnacle of table tennis.
2. Vitor Ishiy
Vitor Ishiy is an accomplished Brazilian table tennis player who has achieved significant success in the sport. The 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo was his first Olympic appearance, representing his home country of Brazil.
Ishiy is highly respected in the table tennis community for his impressive skills and dedication to the sport. He is considered one of the top players in Brazil, and he is often seen as a leader in the sport.
Ishiy is a hardworking athlete who is committed to representing Brazil on the world stage. He is an inspiration to many aspiring table tennis players, and his presence in the 2020 Summer Olympics is sure to make a lasting impression.
3. Gustavo Tsuboi
Gustavo Tsuboi is a professional table tennis player from Brazil. He has achieved remarkable success in the Pan American Games, where he has won three medals in double and team events.
In 2007 and 2011, Tsuboi was part of the winning team alongside two other players, Hugo Hoyama and Thiago Monteiro. This trio won the gold medal in both these events, further cementing Tsuboi’s status as a world-class table tennis player.
His impressive performance in the Pan American Games is a testament to his skill and commitment to the sport.
4. Cazuo Matsumoto
Cazuo Matsumoto is a Brazilian table tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success in his career. He is a multiple-time Brazilian National Champion, and in 2016 he was selected to represent Brazil in the men’s table tennis team event at the Summer Olympics.
This was a great honor and achievement for Matsumoto, as the Brazilian team was competing against some of the best table tennis players in the world.
He competed alongside fellow Brazilian players Hugo Calderano and Gustavo Tsuboi, and the team ultimately placed fifth in the event. Matsumoto was a key contributor to the team’s success, and his performance was a testament to his skills and athleticism.
5. Luca Kumahara
Luca Aiko Kumahara is a remarkable athlete who has made history in the world of table tennis. As a Brazilian table tennis player, he has competed in three Olympic Games: the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Summer Olympics.
This makes him the first trans athlete to ever compete at an international level, something that will forever be remembered as a major milestone in the world of sports.
Kumahara, who is believed to be in his late twenties, has been competing in the sport for over a decade, and his accomplishments are nothing short of impressive. He has been ranked as high as 16th in the world and is considered to be one of the best players in the world.
His presence at the Olympics has been a major milestone for the transgender community and a testament to his courage and determination. Kumahara’s journey to the Olympics has been a long and successful one.
He began playing table tennis at the age of four and has since dedicated his life to the sport. He has competed in numerous tournaments, both international and local, and has earned several medals.
His success in these tournaments has led him to the Olympic Games, where he is the first trans athlete to compete. Kumahara’s courage and determination are truly inspiring. He is a beacon of hope and an example of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication.
His presence in the Olympics is a major step forward for the transgender community, and he will forever be remembered for his bravery and his accomplishments.
6. Hugo Hoyama
Hugo Hoyama is a renowned Brazilian table tennis player of Japanese descent. He has had an illustrious career in the sport, winning various medals in single, double, and team events at the Latin American Table Tennis Championships.
Hoyama is now retired, but his legacy in the world of table tennis lives on. Born and raised in Brazil, Hugo Hoyama has always been passionate about table tennis.
He first began playing the sport competitively in the early 2000s, when he began competing in tournaments around Latin America. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the most successful players in the region.
Hoyama has won multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Latin American Table Tennis Championships in both single, double, and team events.
Hoyama has long been considered one of the best players in the region, and his skill and dedication to the sport have earned him a great deal of respect and admiration. Despite his retirement, Hugo Hoyama still remains a huge influence in the world of table tennis.
He is a great role model for aspiring players, and his success serves as an inspiration to those who want to pursue the sport professionally.
7. Giuliano Peixoto
Giuliano Peixoto is a prominent Brazilian table tennis player who has competed in various international tournaments. He is best known for competing in the men’s doubles event at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
Peixoto was part of a successful Brazilian team, alongside his partner, Adilson Simões da Silva, that finished in 5th place in the tournament.
This result was the best ever for a Brazilian team in an Olympic table tennis event and highlighted Peixoto’s talents and dedication as a player. Prior to the 1996 Olympics, Peixoto had already been successful in a number of national and international tournaments.
He had won the Brazilian National Championship for table tennis four times since 1988 and was the South American Champion for three consecutive years from 1991-1993.
He has also won many silver and bronze medals in various international tournaments. Peixoto’s success in the 1996 Olympics was a major accomplishment for Brazilian table tennis and for Peixoto himself.
He has since retired from the sport, but his legacy lives on as he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring players in Brazil and around the world.
8. Hugo Hanashiro
Hugo Hanashiro is a professional table tennis player from Brazil. He is well-known for his achievements in the sport and is particularly renowned for his participation in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Hanashiro competed in the men’s doubles event at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, representing his home country of Brazil. He was part of the Brazilian team that faced off against some of the best table tennis players from around the world.
Despite the tough competition, Hanashiro and his teammate put up a strong fight and were able to make it to the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, they were unable to advance any further, as they were eventually eliminated by the Chinese team.
Nevertheless, Hanashiro’s performance in the men’s doubles event at the 2004 Summer Olympics is highly commendable, and he is considered to be one of the best table tennis players from Brazil.
9. Cláudio Kano
Cláudio Mitsuhiro Kano was a Japanese-Brazilian table tennis player who achieved great success in the sport. He was instrumental in popularizing table tennis in Brazil and led the charge in the 1990s.
At the tender age of 17, Kano shared two gold medals with his team, one in the men’s doubles and one in the men’s team event at the Pan American Games. This remarkable feat showed how talented and dedicated Kano was, even at a young age.
His accomplishments served to inspire and motivate other young athletes to take up the sport. Kano’s legacy is still felt in Brazil, as he helped to popularize table tennis and make it an integral part of Brazilian sports culture.
10. Carlos Kawai
Carlos Issamu Kawai is a Brazilian table tennis player who has competed in the Summer Olympics on two occasions. At the 1988 Summer Olympics, Kawai was part of a men’s singles and men’s doubles team with Claudio Kano.
Then, twelve years later at the 2000 Summer Olympics, Kawai teamed up with Hugo Hoyama to compete in the men’s doubles. Both of these Olympic appearances show the lasting dedication of Kawai to the sport of table tennis.
He has been a part of the Brazilian table tennis scene for more than two decades, competing in various international tournaments and Olympic games. His experience and talent have made him a formidable opponent on the court.
Kawai is a highly respected athlete who has represented his country well in the sport of table tennis.
11. Iranildo Espíndola
Iranildo Conceição Espíndola is an exceptional athlete from Brazil who has achieved great success in para table tennis at the international level. He has won an impressive seven Parapan American Games championships and four Pan American championships.
His hard work and dedication to the sport has also earned him the honor of four Paralympic Games appearances, and he is proud to have won one bronze medal for his country. Iranildo’s remarkable achievements in para table tennis are a testament to his determination and skill.
He serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, showing that with dedication and focus, even the most challenging goals can be achieved.
12. Aloísio Lima
Aloísio Lima is an inspirational athlete from Brazil who competes in para table tennis at an international level.
He is a bronze medalist at the Paralympic Games, a bronze medalist at the World Table Tennis Championships, a two-time Parapan American Games champion, and a two-time Pan American silver medalist.
These impressive achievements demonstrate the hard work and dedication Lima has put into his sport. However, Lima’s journey to becoming an elite athlete was not an easy one. He became quadriplegic after an accident, which left him with limited mobility in all four limbs.
Despite this difficult setback, Lima was determined to pursue his passion for table tennis and did not let his disability stand in his way. His incredible success and accomplishments prove that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
Lima is an inspiring role model for all athletes, showing that with the right attitude and perseverance, anyone can overcome adversity and reach their goals.
13. Welder Knaf
Welder Camargo Knaf is a Brazilian para table tennis player who has achieved great success on the international level. He is a triple Parapan American Games champion, having won gold medals at the 2011, 2015, and 2019 Games.
He is also a triple Pan American champion, claiming gold medals at the 2011, 2015, and 2019 Pan American Championships. In 2008, Knaf and his partner Luiz Algacir Silva earned a silver medal at the Paralympic Games in Beijing.
This remarkable accomplishment demonstrated Knaf’s dedication to excellence, as well as his ability to perform at the very highest levels of competition.
Knaf has since gone on to become a multiple-time Brazilian National Champion and will continue to strive for success in para table tennis.
14. Luiz Algacir Silva
Luis Algacir Vergílio da Silva was a celebrated Brazilian para table tennis player. He was born and raised in Curitiba, Brazil, and had a remarkable career in the sport. His highest ranking within the sport was world number six in January 2005, in the sports category 3.
During his time in the game, he won several titles in partnership with Welder Knaf. Unfortunately, in early 2021, Luis Algacir Vergílio da Silva passed away due to cancer in his hometown of Curitiba, at the age of 36.
His death was a great loss to the world of para table tennis, as he had become an inspiration to many. He was a highly talented player, and his skills and accomplishments will be remembered for a long time.
He was also respected for his dedication and hard work, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Luis Algacir Vergílio da Silva was a remarkable athlete who will be remembered for his achievements in para table tennis.
His death was a devastating blow to the world of sports, and he will be dearly missed.
15. Jessica Yamada
Jessica Yamada is a professional table tennis player from Brazil. She has been competing in the sport since a young age and has become one of the most prominent table tennis players in Brazil. She recently competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics, where she represented her country.
She put in a great performance at the Olympics, competing in the singles and doubles events. Even though she didn’t win a medal, she still made a huge impression on the international stage and was one of the most talked-about athletes in the Brazilian team.
Her performance at the Olympics is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport, and she is sure to be a major contender in future international competitions.
16. Ricardo Inokuchi
Ricardo Inokuchi is an accomplished table tennis player from Brazil. He has achieved success in the sport, both domestically and internationally. Inokuchi began playing table tennis at a young age and was quickly recognized for his natural talent.
As he grew older, he joined a local team and went on to compete in tournaments throughout his country. Inokuchi’s skill and drive helped him to secure victories in many of these competitions. Inokuchi has also had considerable success on the international stage.
He has competed in several world championships, as well as the Pan American Games and the Olympics. He has earned a number of medals in these competitions, including a Bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Inokuchi has become a prominent figure in the table tennis community. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in Brazil and is respected for his work ethic and dedication to the sport.
He is an inspiration to many, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
17. Gui Lin
Gui Lin is an accomplished table tennis player from Brazil, having been naturalized as a Brazilian in 2012. Her impressive skills earned her a spot on the Brazilian National Team for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Her hard work paid off when she won two silver medals in table tennis at the 2015 Pan American Games. This remarkable achievement solidified her place as one of the top table tennis players from Brazil.
Lin’s success shows that hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable accomplishments. Her story also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams and reach for success.
18. Thiago Monteiro
Thiago Farias Monte Monteiro is an outstanding table tennis player from Brazil. He has achieved great success in his career, winning multiple medals in both single and team events in the Pan American Games.
His impressive performance has led him to be referred to as the next Hugo Hoyama, a former table tennis world champion from Brazil. His current ranking reflects his success, as he is the #1 ranked player in Brazil and #21 in France.
Thiago currently plays for the French team Angers Vaillante and is continuing to make a name for himself in the international table tennis scene.
His skill and discipline have earned him the admiration of his peers, and he is sure to be a dominant force in the world of table tennis for years to come.
19. Lyanne Kosaka
Lyanne Kosaka is a professional table tennis player from Brazil. She has had the honor of competing in two Olympic games, the 1992 Summer Olympics and the 1996 Summer Olympics.
This is a remarkable accomplishment, as she was able to represent her country at such a prestigious event. Kosaka’s journey to the Olympics began in 1992 when she was chosen to represent Brazil in Barcelona.
Her hard work and dedication paid off, as she was able to compete against some of the best table tennis players in the world. At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Kosaka was again chosen to represent her country.
She was able to build on her experience from the 1992 Olympics and put forth an impressive performance. Kosaka’s achievements in the world of table tennis are remarkable. She has shown that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
Her story is an inspiration to all athletes, and she has set an example for others to follow.
20. Monica Doti
Monica Doti is a professional Brazilian table tennis player with an impressive career spanning over two decades. She first made her Olympic debut in 1992 at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
Monica was able to showcase her skills at the Games and gave an impressive performance. She was able to reach the quarterfinals of the women’s singles tournament before being eliminated.
Four years later, Monica returned to the Olympic stage at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA. Once again, she gave a remarkable performance as she made it to the semifinals of the single’s tournament.
Unfortunately, she was unable to secure a medal at the Games, but her impressive performances were a testament to her superb talent. In addition to her Olympic appearances, Monica has also competed in several international tournaments.
She has won multiple medals at the South American Championships, Pan American Championships, and the Pan American Games. Her successful career and impressive achievements have made her a celebrated athlete in Brazil.
Monica Doti is an inspiration to many aspiring table tennis players and her legacy will continue to live on.
21. Lígia Silva
Lígia Silva is an accomplished table tennis player from Brazil. She has been competing in the sport for many years and has achieved great success. At the international level, Lígia Silva has represented her country in three Olympic Games.
She has been a part of the Brazilian national team since 2006 when she helped the team to a bronze medal in Athens. Since then, she has competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2012 London Olympics, and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Lígia Silva has also been a part of multiple world championships, Pan American games, and other international events. She has won a number of medals throughout her career, such as the gold medal in the Pan American games in 2018.
Aside from her Olympic and international accomplishments, Lígia Silva has also been successful in domestic competitions. She has won multiple Brazilian table tennis championships and has been the Brazilian national champion in the women’s singles category numerous times.
Lígia Silva is an inspiration to many aspiring table tennis players in Brazil. She has achieved great success in her sport and is a shining example of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.
22. Mariany Nonaka
Mariany Mayumi Nonaka is a professional table tennis player from Brazil. She is currently ranked 406th in the world by the International Table Tennis Federation.
As a member of Acrepa Sao Bernardo Sports Club, Nonaka is supported and mentored by Mauricio Kobayashi, one of the most highly respected coaches in the sport. Nonaka’s impressive ranking is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the game.
She has been training and competing for several years, and her persistence has paid off.
Her ranking in the world places her among the top players in the sport, and her club continues to support her as she strives to reach even higher levels of success. Nonaka’s commitment to her craft has made her an inspiration to her peers and fans alike.
Her story of determination and hard work serves as an example of what dedication can accomplish, and her achievements show that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Through her success, Nonaka has shown what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
23. Jennyfer Marques Parinos
Jennyfer Marques Parinos is an inspiring athlete from Brazil who has made a name for herself in the world of para table tennis. She is a Paralympic bronze medalist, having earned the medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
In addition, she has won two silver medals at the Parapan American Games and is a world champion in the sport. Not only has Jennyfer achieved success in individual competitions, but she has also been a part of some successful teams.
She has won numerous team event medals alongside Danielle Rauen and Bruna Costa Alexandre.
Together this trio has competed in multiple competitions and earned top-tier medals.Jennifer Marques Parinos has undoubtedly had an incredibly successful career as a para table tennis player, and her success is an inspiration to many.
Her hard work and dedication to the sport has paid off with some amazing accolades, which will no doubt continue in the future.
24. Danielle Rauen
Danielle Rauen is a para table tennis player from Brazil. She is a two-time Paralympic medalist, having competed at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Paralympics. At the 2016 Paralympics, Rauen won a bronze medal in the Women’s team class 9–10 competition.
She repeated this feat at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, again winning a bronze medal in the same event. Rauen is an accomplished para table tennis player, having competed in numerous international tournaments across the world in her career.
She has won multiple medals and awards, including a silver medal at the 2017 World Para Table Tennis Championships.
Her commitment to the sport has been inspirational, and her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Rauen is an inspiration to many, having achieved success despite her disability.
She has shown that it is possible to achieve success through hard work and perseverance, and she has been an example to many aspiring para table tennis players.
Her impressive achievements are something to be admired, and she is an example of what can be achieved through dedication and determination.
25. Cátia Oliveira
Cátia Cristina da Silva Oliveira is a remarkable athlete from Brazil. She is a Para table tennis player who has achieved great success in her sport. She also used to be a professional footballer prior to dedicating her time to table tennis.
In 2015, Cátia won a gold medal at the Parapan American Games, an impressive feat for any athlete. Her success in the games earned her a place at the 2016 Paralympic Games, which were held in her home country.
This was a momentous occasion for Cátia, as she was able to represent her nation in front of a home crowd. Cátia has had an incredible career so far. Her achievements have earned her well-deserved recognition and respect.
She is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, showing that dedication and hard work can lead to great success.
26. Thiago Monteiro
Thiago Moura Monteiro is an incredibly accomplished and talented tennis player from Brazil. He has achieved a remarkable amount of success in his career, and as of October 17, 2022, he is ranked as the world’s 61st best tennis player in the ATP singles ranking.
Additionally, Monteiro holds the title of the best Brazilian tennis player, with a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No. 144, which he achieved on January 31, 2022. Monteiro’s achievements in tennis are extraordinary, given the level of competition he faces.
He has managed to attain a world ranking of 61, demonstrating his strong work ethic and dedication to the game. His success has been a major boon to the Brazilian tennis community and his influence is widely respected.
Monteiro is an inspiration to many aspiring tennis players, and his example serves as an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.
27. Maria Passos
Maria Luiza Pereira Passos is an inspiring athlete from Brazil. She was originally a volleyball player, but her career was cut short by a diagnosis of a malignant tumor in her bone marrow. As a result, she had to use a wheelchair to move around.
Despite this setback, she decided to pursue a career in para table tennis and achieved great success. She competed in international competitions and received numerous accolades for her achievements.
Her story is a testament to the human spirit and shows us that even when faced with great adversity, we can still strive and rise above our circumstances.
Conclusion
Overall, Brazil has produced some of the world’s best table tennis players, such as Hugo Hoyama, Gustavo Tsuboi, and Thiago Monteiro. They have won numerous international tournaments between them and have been highly successful in their respective careers.
Their skill and dedication to the sport has made them an inspiration to many other players in Brazil and around the world. With their continued success, Brazil is sure to remain a strong contender in the world of table tennis for many years to come.
