Namchi TT Association affiliated to STTA

NAMCHI

20 Oct 2013

The Namchi Table Tennis Association is now affiliated to its parent body, the Sikkim Table Tennis Association.

          The affiliation certificate was handed over to a NTTA team in  Gangtok today by STTA president CK Basnet, who is also the president of Sikkim Olympic Association. Speaking on the occasion, Basnet expressed his happiness over the formation of a new table tennis association at the south district of Namchi and applauded the aims and objectives of the NTTA. He also assured to provide all possible help to the association to produce skilled TT players.

Established in 2012, the NTTA aims to identify local rural talent and also to give more emphasis to table tennis as an important sport. The primary objective is to provide a platform for the youths of South and West Sikkim to showcase their talent on a larger field, to guide and nurture them players and to help create avenues to keep them away from the evils of society that afflict the youth of today.

The NTTA had conducted an Open TT Championship in August 2012. Although securing funds had been a major constraint, support from the power sector and likeminded people made the event a success. There were more than 300 participants from all over the state competing in various categories. The event also acted as a morale booster to youngsters of the district. Those who used to regard the sport with disdain began looking at it in new light.

Some students have started playing the game at the university level outside the state. This includes Dawa Namgyal Tamang, who is pursuing his Masters in Economics from Kumaun University, Uttarakhand. Tamang was adjudged runner-up in the Uttarakhand University State Level TT Championship last year.

The district administration this year, under the guidance of the District Collector (South), has come forward and provided with assistance. Power sector stakeholders and those from related industries have once again stepped forward in support. Similar support has also been solicited from various departments by placing advertisements. (EOIC)