State Open TT Championship begins

GANGTOK, 12 Sept: Around 300 paddlers from across the state are taking part in the 18th edition of State Open Table Tennis Championship 2013 which started this afternoon here at Paljor Stadium indoor gymnasium hall. The four-day championship was inaugurated by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department Secretary, PR Poudyal. The championship is being organized by Sikkim Table Tennis Association [STTA].
The participants, mainly from schools, other educational institutions and corporate houses from all four districts will be participating in 15 events during the championship.
In his inaugural address, the Secretary mentioned that the state government has given priority to sports by providing various facilities and exposure to local sportspersons. He also added that the state government has created the infrastructures for various disciplines to encourage local players. He urged the members of different sports associations to take care of these infrastructures created by the government and make full use of these facilities.
Mr Poudyal congratulated STTA for its efforts in promoting the game of table tennis in the state and further encouraged players to continue to play the game.
STTA president, CK Basnet stated that the association has been organizing this state open every year with the main objective to provide a state-level platform and exposure to local paddlers. He also mentioned that the association has been sending state teams to different national tournaments across the country every year.
Mr Basnet informed that the best players of this championship will qualify to participate in the State Games to be organized by Sikkim Olympic Association at Paljor Stadium this December. He further informed that the association will also be sending the state teams to sub-junior & cadet, junior and senior nationals.
The inaugural function was followed by the commencement of matches in the championship. The inaugural function was also attended by GREF Commander, Col PH Reddy as the guest of honour and members from different sports associations.