Veterans TT Nationals begins

OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF SVTTA LAUNCHED AND SOUVENIR RELEASED
GANGTOK, 20 Feb: The 19th edition of National Veterans Table Tennis Championship has attracted huge participation of paddlers from across the country, which started here at Paljor Stadium indoor gymnasium today.
Sports Minister, NK Pradhan, who was present as the chief guest, declared the five-day event open. The tournament is being organized by the Sikkim Veterans Table Tennis Association [SVTTA]. The championship will conclude on 25 February.
A total of 38 teams from 24 states, 1 Union Territory of Chandigarh and 4 institutions from across the country are taking part in the championship. A total of 790 paddlers will be taking part under various categories of 40 plus, 50 plus, 60 plus, 65 plus and 70 plus for men’s and women’s.
In his presidential address, SVTTA president, SB Subba informed that the SVTTA was formed in 2006 with the primary objectives to promote table tennis in the state and to provide a platform for veteran players. He informed about the various achievements and activities of the association. He also thanked the Chief Minister and his government for supporting the association for holding such a prestigious event in the state.
SVTTA general secretary, Kuber Bhandari mentioned that Sikkim has given many national and international players in different disciplines to the country. He also presented the information on the championship.
During the inaugural function, the Sports Minister released the souvenir of the championship and also launched the official website of the SVTTA. On the occasion, SVTTA also felicitated senior veteran players of the championship.
The inaugural function was also attended by Lok Sabha MP, PD Rai, Indian Veteran Table Tennis Association general secretary, Titus Philipose, Political Advisor to the CM, KN Rai, who is also the SVTTA chief patron and SVTTA chief advisor, ADGP Sikkim Police, SD Negi among others.
This was followed by an exhibition match between Harsh Chopra of Haryana and KK Rai of Mumbai. Mr Chopra is the winner of the 40 plus category in the last edition and also the Asian singles champion last year and first Indian to do so, while Mr Rai is the winner of the 50 plus category of the last edition.