Table tennis championship starts today

24 October 2008

The 14th National Table Tennis Championship will start today as part of centenary and coronation celebration. 52 participants have registered for the tournament majority of whom are male and Thimphu residents. The table tennis coach, Dala, said, “We have fewer female participants because they are too shy to come for practice.”

There will be seven categories of matches including those for beginners and sub-junior boys under 12 years of age. Other categories include open singles for both male and female, open doubles, junior championship for boys under the age of 15 and veterans.

A record 37 veterans above 40 years of age will be taking part in the championship. Some of the most recognisable names among them are Lyonpo Dorji Wangchuk, Aum Neten Zangmo and Bap Kezang. Three coaches including one JICA volunteer are training the participants.

Namgay Dorji, a class IX student of Mothithang Higher Secondary School, who represented the Osaka Championship in Japan, was the winner of junior team last year. He has been practising for the last five years. Namgay said, “I practise daily in the evening for two hours so I am expecting the best this year too.”

The tournament is funded by the Royal Government of Bhutan. This year, apart from the usual trophy and certificates, the winners will be given a special gold-plaited trophies and certificates with coronation and table tennis logos on them. The final of the championship will be held on October 26, Sunday.

By Eshori Gurung

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