Lily Zhang and Kanak Jha Earn Singles Medals at the 2025 ITTF Pan American Championships

Medal wins by Lily Zhang and Kanak Jha added to the remarkable achievements by US athletes at the 2025 ITTF Pan American Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Lily and Kanak, both experienced Olympians, delivered stellar performances to secure their medals on home soil.

Lily Zhang defeated Natalie Chan (CAN), Alondra Rodriguez (PUR) and Daniela Ortega (CHI) before falling to good friend Adriana Diaz (PUR) in 4 straight games in the semi-final. Her semifinal finish earned her a bronze medal in the Women’s Singles event. On the Men’s side, Kanak Jha demonstrated his professionalism, exceptional skill and determination, progressing through the Men's Singles draw to capture the silver medal. In the final, he lost to Brazil’s superstar Hugo Calderano (1-4) in a hard-fought match.

These two singles medals underscore the strength of US table tennis athletes in the Pan American region. Teammates Sid Naresh, Jessica Reyes Lai, and Sally Moyland ended their bid in the quarterfinals, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.

Lily Zhang and Kanak Jha’s two singles medals add to a bronze earned by Jishan Liang and Jessica Reyes Lai in mixed doubles earlier in the event.