Team Northwest Territories continues to make history at the 2026 Canadian Junior Table Tennis Championships.
After earning the program’s first-ever team victory over a province in the U15 Boys Team Event last year, Team NT has done it again. This time, Kathleen Cai, partnering with Joanna Raj of New Brunswick, defeated Prince Edward Island in the U19 Girls Team Competition, securing a 7th-place finish in Canada.
The achievement marks another significant milestone for Table Tennis in the Northwest Territories and highlights the continued growth of the program on the national stage.
For Kathleen, the first two days of the championships have been filled with valuable experience. She competed in four team matches and four singles matches across the U15 Girls Singles, U17 Girls Singles, and U19 Girls Team Event, gaining invaluable experience against some of Canada’s top junior athletes.
“Being at the Canadian Championships and representing Team NT is a surreal experience. There’s lots of pressure, but it all adds to the excitement. Coming from a smaller place with fewer resources, it feels like I can show how someone from a smaller community can still compete and play a rare sport like table tennis.
Winning against a province is an experience I will never forget. We fought hard together in the team event, and being on a closely knit team from two smaller provinces truly added to the pride I already feel. I am sooo incredibly proud of our win, and even prouder to be representing Team NT! Gooo NT!!!!”
— Kathleen Cai
For Team NT, the result is about much more than a single victory. It reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and athlete development.
As a three-time Arctic Winter Games athlete, Kathleen continues to grow as both a player and a leader. Watching her confidence, resilience, and love for the sport flourish over the years has been incredibly rewarding, and this historic achievement is another exciting chapter in her journey.
Congratulations, Kathleen, Joanna, and Team NT! The North is proud of you.