Upset at the absence of top Indian players at domestic events this year, the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has taken decisions at its Executive Board meeting here, that would ensure they play in a certain number of National-ranking tournaments if they wish to be included in the National team. This will come into effect from the next calendar year.
Speaking to The Hindu here on Sunday, TTFI secretary M.P. Singh said those who are ranked in the top 50 in the world in youth and seniors (men & women) should play at least three zonals (excluding inter-institutional) and the National championships, while those ranked between 50 and 100 should take part in four zonals and the Nationals.
“We will ask the players to come forward with their plans for the next year and discuss with them how to proceed,” said Singh.
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He also said TTFI would have a foreign coach for the senior team by the end of December.
“Before the National championships [in Cuttack from January 4 to 9, 2019], we will have the [foreign] coach as he has to have a look at all the players,” said Singh. Till that time, former National champion Manjit Singh Dua will be in charge.
TTFI also decided unanimously to disaffiliate the Kerala Table Tennis Association following complaints from district associations.
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However, the issue of the Tamil Nadu Table Tennis Association (TNTTA) still remains unresolved because of the litigation between two sections in the State.
A.V. Vidyasagar, who was present at the meeting as elected secretary of TNTTA, has been given a month’s time to reach out to the parties concerned for a compromise, especially its district affiliates, or go for fresh elections after registering the body under the Registrar of Societies Act, amending TNTTA’s constitution and bylaws in tune with TTFI’s bylaws, rules and regulations as well as guidelines.
TNTTA, at present, is registered under the Companies Act.
Vidyasagar has assured the members that he would comply with the suggestions within the given time frame. “If it is not done,” we will consider de-affiliating TNTTA,” Singh said.
The Commonwealth table tennis championships in July 2019 will be held at Lucknow.
The season’s junior and youth Nationals have been re-allotted to Haryana — they were originally allotted to Tamil Nadu — and the events would be held between December 25 and 30 at Sonepat.