Lariba expects full recovery

Table tennis player Ian Lariba. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

Ian Lariba has started doing light exercises after a successful bone marrow transplant.

Though the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympian regularly grips her paddle, Lariba hasn’t played table tennis since she was diagnosed with leukemia middle of this year.

“I hold my paddle but I haven’t played yet,’’ said the 23-year-old during her first public appearance at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Wednesday. “I just do very light exercises.”

Lariba was released from the hospital on Oct. 23 and is still undergoing treatment to be completely cancer-free.

“I thank the Lord for the successful operation,’’ said the three-time UAAP MVP from De La Salle. “Everything went fine and my health continues to improve.”

She is undergoing neutropenic diet, which means consuming food cooked in high temperature, including fruits and vegetables.

“I’m feeling much better compared before I was diagnosed,” said Lariba, who thanked the people and organizations that helped her. “I just try to stay positive and take it day by day.”

La Salle and its community joined hands to help Lariba along with the Philippine Sports Commission, International Table Tennis Federation and Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc.