That was a nice article, ‘The Penholder that shook the table’. I have had the privilege of going on many trips along with Jothi as we call him. It has been a pleasure, since his behaviour on and off the table has been exemplary.
He (Jothi) is right in saying we have no international experience. Just participation in tournaments will not improve the game unless there is proper training. Yes the Indian circuit will give the players the much needed experience. We could invite teams from India. Yes, China is the very best for training the young.
Note that table tennis players were the first sportsmen to play with world class players like Fugi Yang, L. Ogimura etc. So promotion would have been no problem. After the old brigade of officials left, the ones who took over promoted themselves. There have been to my knowledge ‘phantom’ training sessions. (No programme but money spent).
All nine provinces should be encouraged to have their associations, with schools as members too.
In China there are outdoor tables, made of cement in many schools with bats and balls, so the kids got the hang of it. Cannot the same be done here?
The YMCA was the cradle of Table Tennis. However tournaments were conducted in various venues - the Wellawatte Recreation Club, Railways, Treasury, Mackenzie House, St. Peter’s College, Lumbini College etc. We had no fixed abode. The Sports Ministry granted us a hall at Torrington Square and that too was taken back.
Politics should be kept out of sports, but this is only a dream. A few years ago the entire selection committee consisting of national champions resigned due to political interference. Due to the lack of competition players of good standard are now a vanishing tribe. If the encouragement given to cricket is given to all sports we can produce world class teams. Maybe even a Table Tennis world champion, our youngsters do not lack talent. A sports university is so welcome.
Nandini Daniel,
469/9 Tapowanaya Road, Aggona- Angoda. |
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