Backbone of the National Controlling Body
Eric Motha, a founder-member of the Mercantile Table Tennis Association (MTTA), on its Diamond Jubilee, had written to the Sunday Times on its progress and the office bearers who rendered yeoman service to the uplift of the MTTA.
According to Motha, the odyssey of the MTTA commenced in 1957, with the inaugural meeting, held at the Board Room of Richard Peiris & Co. Ltd.. It was Chaired by Robin L. Rutnam with 14 representatives of leading Mercantile establishments in attendance. Motha states it is his privilege to write as a founder-member, to herald the Diamond Jubilee of the MTTA, efficiently steered by dedicated persons who carried on the legacy, upholding the mantle of the MTTA for over 6 decades. He renders high tribute to the MTTA’s Patrons and Vice Patrons whose goodwill and generosity was generously bestowed upon the MTTA.
The MTTA has, since its inception, conducted tournaments with noteworthy increase in participating firms, such as the Mercantile League and Knock Out Championships, Mercantile and Open Championships and Veterans (Over-40) tournaments. Invitation tournaments have also been conducted in tribute to the following whose contribution to the game in the Mercantile Sector deserves special mention: C.M. Vasa, Chrys Gunaratne and Ashok Melvani.
Motha, in his letter, mentions names of every Secretary, Asst. Secretary, Treasurer, Asst. Treasurer and every member of the MTTA, whose dream was to ensure the MTTA as a controlling body to occupy the highest position in Sri Lanka’s sporting arena.
According to Motha, the highest tribute to the MTTA was witnessed in 1983, when then Minister of Sport appointed Chandrakanth Vasa President of the newly constituted Board of Control for TT in Sri Lanka, and Eric Motha and Lucian Alles as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
A complete list of National and Ranked players, both Men and Women were given, and concludes it with a message of felicitation to the President and members of the MTTA, that he is confident the saga will continue and the MTTA’s dominant position will remain within the realm of sports in the country.