Published on Aug 29:
GUWAHATI: The UTT All Assam Ranking Table Tennis Championship got underway at the Bhogeswari Phukanani Indoor Stadium at the Rudra Singha Sports Complex here today. The championship is being organised by the Guwahati Sports Association under the aegis of the Assam Table Tennis Association.
Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the championship.
The opening ceremony was attended by Guwahati Sports Association president Paresh Chandra Das, former table tennis player Gautam Hazarika, Assam Table Tennis Association treasurer Rajib Sarma, Assam Wrestling Association president Ratul Sarma and several other officials of the Guwahati Sports Association.
Addressing the gathering, Daimary said the Assam Government was making continuous efforts to promote sports across the State.
“The Assam Government is working continuously to promote sports in the State. We have already completed several stadiums across Assam and have started handing them over to the respective State sports associations. This process will continue,” he said.
Daimary also assured the Guwahati Sports Association of government support in developing a ground for player training.
“I have learnt that the Guwahati Sports Association needs a ground for the training of its players. If they can identify a suitable ground, I assure you that the government will develop it and hand it over to them for training purposes,” he said.
He also praised the emerging table tennis players from Assam who have performed well at national and international competitions.
“It is encouraging to see young players such as Priyanuj Bhattacharyya, Ishani Gogoi and Divija Paul bringing laurels to the State at various national and international meets. I hope this championship will motivate more young players to develop their skills and perform well at the national and international levels,” Daimary added.
A total of 470 players from 13 districts are participating in the championship. The competition is being conducted in the Cadet, Hopes, Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior categories.
PHOTO CAPTION: Opening ceremony of the Championship in Guwahati.