Sikkim to host National Veterans TT Championship from 20-24 Feb

GANGTOK, 15 Dec: Sikkim Veterans Table Tennis Association [SVTTA] has received the privilege to host the 19th edition of the National Veterans Table Tennis Championship from 20 to 24 February here at Paljor Stadium. Sikkim is the first North-eastern state to be selected to host this championship.

The announcement was made at an SVTTA press conference here at the Press Club of Sikkim today, addressed by its chief patron, KN Rai, president SB Subba and general secretary Kuber Bhandari.
Addressing the press conference, general secretary, Mr Bhandari informed that this mega event will help the younger players to learn new techniques and tactics from the senior and experienced veteran players.
Around 800 veteran paddlers from across the state and country are expected to participate in the championship. He informed that the association has already received confirmation from around 600 participants till now. The last date of submission of forms is 31 January.
Mr Bhandari mentioned that the association has been getting full support from the Sports Department in organization of this championship.
A coaching camp for the state contingent in the championship will be starting from this week onwards under the coach, Norden Bhutia and around 50 paddlers are expected to represent Sikkim in the championship, he informed.
Chief Patron, Mr Rai expressed that post the 18 Sept earthquake, the tournament also aims at sending a message to the world that Sikkim has come back to normal.
“It is our endeavour to regain our past glory in the country and organize this national championship in a grand manner. Let each participant be the brand ambassador for tourism in the state. We want to showcase our culture, and highlight Sikkim through this tournament,” he stressed.
It was informed that the state has been participating in this championship for the past 6 years after the formation of SVTTA in 2006.
It was stated that the SVTTA has been contributing to promote the sport and channelize the power of youth and veterans in the right direction. The team championship will be played on league cum knock-out basis and individual events will be on knock-out basis and all matches will be played following TTFI rules and regulations.
 This championship will have individual veteran participants of different ages in 22 different categories and eight categories of team championship.
The Association has appealed to hoteliers, NGOs, taxi operators and stakeholders for cooperation and for a collective effort to make this event a grand success and have each guest enjoy a memorable stay in Sikkim.