Kritika becomes first Sikkimese TT player to be selected by Petroleum Sports Promotion Board

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 07 June: Kritika Rai is the first table tennis player from Sikkim to get picked up by the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board [PSPB]. In her PSPB selection trial on 4 and 5 May in Ajmer, she impressed the scouts enough to become the only girl selected by the PSPB this time.
She was the only girl get selected out of 11 from across the country in the selection trials. It was informed that out of 10 matches in the trial, she won six and also impressed selectors in the other tests.
The Sikkim Table Tennis Association sent Kritika in sub-junior and Siddharth Bhujel in cadet categories for the selection trial accompanied by the STTA joint secretary, Tshering Topgay.

13-year-old Kritika is a promising state-ranking sub-junior player and had already represented the state in the national and regional championships. She is studying at Daffodils Homes in the 9th standard.
With this selection, the PSPB will now bear all the expenses of her studies in a reputed school in Ajmer, training, equipment and other necessary expenses and Rs 200 per month as pocket money.
The STTA general secretary, Karma Bhutia, mentioned that Kritika’s selection was a big boost and encouragement for upcoming table tennis players in the state.
He mentioned that to play for the PSPB is a big opportunity and achievement for a young player as the PSPB is leading team in table tennis and has been producing international players for India like Sarat Kamal and other national ranking players.
He stated that the STTA had also sent players twice in past for the PSPB selection trails but none had made the grade thus far.
Kritika was accompanied by her father on the selection trial in Ajmer.
The presidents and members of STTA and Sikkim Veterans Table Tennis Association have congratulated Kritika on her achievement.
The STTA team is scheduled to return to Gangtok on Thursday from Ajmer and by the end of this month Kritika will be joining her PSPB centre in Ajmer.