Indian table tennis stars G Sathiyan, Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula displayed great joy as WTT Star Contender made its debut in India at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium, Taleigao plateau, on Monday.
G Sathiyan believes that WTT will transform India into a destination for table tennis. “It’s a great moment for all of us, making India a table tennis destination…to have such a big event here. It’s a very special feeling. I have travelled across the world, but to play in your home country is a very special feeling. We are super excited to represent the tricolour and am sure that there will be lot of people to support us and we will be giving our best to take Indian table tennis to the next level. Congratulations to the entire team for pulling up such a massive event. It looks really nice and hope a lot of supporters come out to cheer us,” stated one of the most followed Arjuna Awardee Indian paddler.
Semi-finalist at the WTT Doha 2023, Manika is delighted, saying: “I am very happy that this great tournament is happening for the first time in India. And I am really happy and excited as I can take my friends out and show my country.”
Mixed doubles gold-medallist at Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022, Sreeja says she is happy and excited to participate in Star Contender event here in Goa. “I am looking forward to play in front of the home crowd. We can take great learnings from the tournament,” she said.
Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant graced the opening day. Interacting with the reporters, he said: “WTT Star Contender is coming to India for the first time and being held in Goa, means a huge development for the people; and government of Goa has supported Stupa Sports Analytics and Dream Foundation in organising. Around 35 countries are participating and 450 delegates (players and technical officials) have arrived for the tournament. I congratulate Deepak and Megha of Stupa Sports Analytics, for making grand arrangement to host the WTT at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium.
“The WTT tournament is open for all PE and Sports teachers free of cost to come and watch, particularly so that they will be able to promote table tennis amongst students.
“Goa being a tourist attraction; I was told that many players have been interested in coming here that might not have been possible if WTT would have been held elsewhere,” said the Chief Minister.
Also present was Deepak Malik, co-founder of Stupa Sports Analytics, who disclosed that they have signed a contract of five years to host WTT Star Contender in India. “There is a good possibility that Goa can be a host regularly. We want Goa and India to be on the global stage as global leader in table tennis,” he added.
