Team Herald
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RAIA: The UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championship 2024 organised by the Goa Table Tennis Association and Table Tennis Federation of India will be held from October 18 to 25, at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim.
The championship will feature 12 competitive categories, including Youth Boys and Girls Singles in U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17, U1-9, Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles, stated N Ganeshan, technical committee chairman of the Table Tennis Federation of India.
Ganeshan highlighted the tournament’s competitive edge, noting a increase in prize money, which now totals Rs 10 lakh. This significant boost in rewards for winners across all categories is expected to enhance the competitiveness and excitement of the event.
The tournament will see participation from some of the best players in the country, including athletes ranked in the world’s top 100. Over 60 to 70 officials, including Blue Badge umpires and international referees, will ensure high-level officiating across 20 to 24 tables.
Goa Table Tennis Association President Sudin Verenkar emphasised on the importance of the tournament for local sports development.
“This championship provides our talented Goan players with the opportunity to compete on a national stage, gain valuable experience, and inspire future generations. It’s also vital for generating funds that will support grassroots activities like training camps and local tournaments throughout the year,” he stated.
He further added that the event aims to raise the profile of table tennis in Goa, encouraging youth to take up the sport and aspire to compete at the national level. The involvement of top-ranked players will undoubtedly boost the motivation and aspirations of young talent.
Shrinivas Dempo, chairman of the organising committee, spoke about his personal connection to the sport and the potential for Goa to produce top-level players.
“Table tennis has been very close to my heart – it’s the only sport I ever attempted. Although we’ve had a football team for the last five decades, I was always very enthusiastic about table tennis and participated in state tournaments during my growing-up years.”
The tournament will be inaugurated on October 18 by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the presence of Sports Minister Govind Gaude, along with senior TTFI officials.