“Chalte Chalte… Mere Yeh Geet …the famous song on friendship was on the lips of many administrators of Andhra Pradesh Table Tennis Association (APTTA), as they went ahead bifurcating the association into Telangana Table tennis Association (TTTA) and Andhra Pradesh Table Tennis Association (APTTA) on Sunday night.
With concealed emotions and realistic mindset, the administrators, after promoting the game together for 50 long years, officially announced the ad hoc committee of TTTA, comprising 10 districts, which will function for a year till May 2015.
“The committee will function for one year, and it, before laying down office on May 2015, will formulate the constitution, by-laws and memorandum of articles, besides registering the association under the Societies of Registrars Act. Later, the committee will conduct elections for the new body,” said APTTA president Bhaskar Ram.
Both the associations felt the need to curb the menace of over-age in junior categories, and together they vowed to tackle the issue with an iron hand. “All the top eight players in all age groups (other than youth, men and women) should be put to medical test. Stern action should be taken against violators,” suggested Prakash Raj, TTTA ad hoc secretary.
Administrators from both sides felt the necessity of sharing the technical and coaching know-how regularly for the benefit of the players from both States.
Both the associations decided to work for the success of a national event to be hosted by the two States. “The national federation has allotted one National for us, and we are yet to decide what to accept. There is an advantage in hosting the sub-junior National, as we have players who can win medals for us. But, there is a valid reason for hosting the senior Nationals, as we are yet to host this prestigious event. Soon, a decision will be taken,” said S.M. Sultan, secretary, APTTA.
Much to the delight of APTTA folks, Bhimavaram, Chittoor and Guntur have expressed willingness to host ranking tournaments.
Both the associations, in a bid to strengthen their bondage even after bifurcation, have agreed to host a “Bondage Trophy”, a tournament in memory of all players and administrators who passed away while rendering their yeoman service to the game.
“This tournament will be a fine gesture by both associations for keeping the friendship going among players and administrators. The event should be held before the national event, as it will help players acquire the all-important exposure,” said Prakash, president, Krishna District Table Tennis Association.
