Hosts face strong challenge in India junior open TT

Mumbai: Host paddlers will face a strong challenge as China will be among the top nations to feature in the India Junior and Cadet Open Table Tennis Championship starting October 16 here.

Apart from India, Hong Kong, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Nigeria are the other countries who have confirmed their participation. The Reliance India Junior and Cadet Open is a part of the ITTF Global Junior Circuit and is being held under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India, organised by the Mumbai City District Table Tennis Association (MCDTTA). The field will feature 50 international and domestic players. There will be 12 events in which the boys and girls will compete in team and individual events in the junior and cadet categories. The championship is being hosted at the newly inaugurated multi sports arena at the NSCI from October 16-20. "Some of our Indian table tennis players have been creating waves in the international circuit and we are sure this tournament will further excite and encourage our future stars," said organising committee chairperson Vita Dani. "There is much to be gained from hosting this championship and I believe the biggest beneficiaries will be our young, upcoming players. India has a huge pool of talented players of the future and this event will offer them the much needed exposure," said eight time national champion, India coach and tournament director Kamlesh Mehta. India has organised this event on five occasions ? 2006 (Kolkata), 2007 (Goa), 2008 (Pune), 2009 (Indore) and 2011 (Dehradun). Squad: Junior Boys: Abhishek Yadav, Utkarsh Gupta, Nishad Shah, Chinmay Dattar. Cadet Boys: Mudit Dani, Shaurya Pednekar, Lalhunhlua, Anirban Ghosh. Junior Girls: Reeth Tennison, Ayhika Mukherjee, Mallika Bhandarkar, Senhora D`Souza. Cadet Girls: Moumita Dutta, Shruti Amrute, Ashlesha Trehan, Dyuti Patki, Mansi Chhajed.