Record entries increase competitive edge

Kangra: The much-awaited 2024 UTT National Ranking Championships, the first of the season, begins tomorrow at the Rainbow Khelo India Residential Academy in Kangra, a town known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Kangra, known for its serene and adventurous appeal, will now host its first-ever National Ranking table tennis event, organised by the Himachal Pradesh Table Tennis Association.

The tournament has attracted an impressive 2,300 participants in 12 categories including boys, girls, senior men and women from 44 entities representing 32 states and 12 institutions. The event is not just about direct competition but also has a deeper significance as it serves as a platform for both young and senior players to showcase their talent and prepare for future national and international tournaments. Therefore, the event promises to be a stimulating showdown with participants eager to make a mark on the domestic circuit.

The championships will begin with the Youth Under-11 and Under-13 events for boys and girls. These young players will be looking to establish themselves and prove their skills in a highly competitive atmosphere, setting the stage for the future of Indian table tennis.

On the other side of the spectrum, experienced players will be taking this opportunity to cement their place in the domestic circuit and prepare for upcoming international competitions. Notably, Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath, who recently retired from the professional circuit, with Ayhika Mukherjee (reserve player at the Olympics), have skipped the tournament.

However, top paddlers such as G. Sathiyan (a reserve in Paris), Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar, who were part of the Olympic selection in Paris, will participate. Their presence will add a lot of prestige and excitement to the event. Incidentally, this tournament is an important preparatory event for the China Smash later this month and the Asian Championships in Astana next month, giving players a perfect opportunity to refine their skills.

Stag Global has supplied all tournament equipment including flooring, tables and balls. The tournament will be overseen by referee AS Kler, with deputies KR Manjunatha and PB Baskar, supported by 45 Blue Badge, international and national referees. The eight-day event promises to be an exciting start to the table tennis season.

Former Sports Minister and former HPTTA Chairman Anurag Singh Thakur will officially open the tournament at 10am, though the matches will begin at 8.30am.