Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Mar 29: With a view to promote the sport in Arunachal Pradesh, the 3rd edition of Kalikho Pul State level Table Tennis Championship being organized by the Table Tennis Arunachal (TTA) got underway at the Dera Natung Govt College (DNGC) auditorium here today.
The three-day championship will witness 12 teams with over 80 players competing in several events including boys & girls singles (under-13), sub-junior boys & girls singles and doubles (U-15), junior boys & girls (both singles and doubles), boys & girls singles (U-13), sub-junior boys & girls singles and doubles (U-15), junior boys & girls singles and doubles (U-17), youth boys & girls (U-19) and senior men & women (open to all)
Gracing the inaugural ceremony of Kalikho Pul State level TT Championship 2023, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mama Natung said: “Arunachal Government is focusing on the improvement of youths of the State, including the sports sector.”
Recalling the contributions of late Kalikho Pul for the State, Natung appreciated the TTA for christening the tournament after his (late CM’s) name. He said that the tournament is a good platform for the TT enthusiasts to showcase their talent and represent the State.
Reiterating the state government’s plan to make Arunachal a sporting powerhouse, the Minister acknowledged that the State has been getting good results on the field. “Our players are also performing well and in the recently concluded North East Games, Arunachal Pradesh was in 3rd position by winning 112 medals in all disciplines,” he stated.
He said that youths are the future of the State and so, the state government is focusing on the improvement of youths. “And recently we have organized a Yuva Sammelan so that we can bring youths together on a common platform to share ideas,” he added.
Meanwhile, responding to a three-point memorandum submitted by the organizer to declare the tournament a calendar event and for provision of special coaches and table tennis stadium, the Minister assured to have a discussion with the departmental officers.