The National Ranking (South Zone) Table Tennis Championships 2018 kick-started at the Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao Municipal Corporation Indoor Stadium on M.G. Road amid players from across the country, local representatives and officials on Thursday.
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh managing director N. Bangara Raju, Municipal Commissioner J. Nivas, and Central MLA B. Umamaheswara Rao inaugurated the week-long tournament.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Nivas said congratulated for players selected for participation in the national tourney. He said that the corporation with the support of government and sports associations has been doing its best in promoting sports in the city.
Mr. Bangara Raju said that the State needs a number of table tennis coaches to train players at national and international levels. He called upon the tournament sponsor 11Sports to further support the game in the state.
He said the city has produced international players in chess, badminton and table tennis more could reach international level if all facilities and encouragement are provided.
MLA Mr. Rao said the capital Amaravati is going to have all international sports arenas and facilities for players in the future. He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is keen on developing sports in the state.
11Sports chairperson Vita Dani said India's success at Asian Games 2018 in the game came as a big boost for the players.
Arjuna Awardee and national champion Kamlesh Mehta, table tennis administrators S.M Sultan, P. Viswanath, G. Prakash, K . Balaram and others were present.