16th State Open TT Championships begins with over 400 participants

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 04 Nov: More than 400 players are taking part in the 16th edition of State Open Table Tennis Championship, which was inaugurated by the Sports & Youth Affairs Minister, NK Pradhan, today here at Paljor Stadium indoor gymnasium. Players from different educational institutions, governement offices and private sector units will challenge each other in 20 differents categories in the championship, which is being organised by the Sikkim Table Tennis Association [STTA].
In his inaugural address, Sports Minister encouraged the participants to imbibe a competitive spirit, which would help them face the challenges in life. He also egged them on saying that competing was what was important rather than winning or losing.
The Minister assured that the government was ready to provide all possible help and support to the sportspersons. He also expressed his gratitude to the Airport Authority of India [AAI] for coming forward and supporting then organising of such a sporting event in the state.
Joint General Manager of AAI, Sharad Gupta, who was present as the guest of honour, mentioned that the AAI is in the state to complete its green field airport but at the same time it is also engaged in various social activities in the state. He informed about their various activities and initiatives under the Corporate Social Responsibility in the state.
Mr Gupta encouraged the players to play in the true spirit of the sports.
Likewise, STTA president, CK Basnet informed that top six players in the cadet, sub-junior and junior categories in state open championhips would represent the state in their respective categories in the upcoming national championships to be held in different parts of the country.
He informed that Cadet and Sub-Junior Nationals is scheduled to be held in Tamil  Nadu in December, followed by Junior Nationals in Siliguri, West Bengal, in January and then Senior Nationals in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in February next year.
Mr Basnet informed that the STTA has been conducting the state open championships every year and has also been sending state teams to every national championship around the country every year.
The championship will conclude on 07 November.
The inaugural function was also attended by the president, SB Subba and other members of Sikkim Veterans Table Tennis Association and members of STTA.