Chinese TT players for India Junior Open

Mumbai: Chinese paddlers would be among the top players who would be seen in action in the Indian Junior and Cadet Open Table Tennis Championship to be hosted by the National Sports Club of India in Worli here from October 16-20.

Apart from China and hosts India, Hong Kong, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Nigeria are the other countries who have confirmed their participation, while more entries from other nations are expected soon, said a media release on Friday. The tournament is a part of the ITTF`s (International Table Tennis Federation) Global Junior Circuit and is being held under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), organised by the Mumbai City District Table Tennis Association (MCDTTA). The field would feature 80 potential future international champions as well as 40 of the leading Indian junior paddlers. There are 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 air-conditioned arena at the NSCI with a seating capacity of 5,000 people which had played host to the Indian Badminton League finals in August. India`s national coach and tournament director Kamlesh Mehta is excited about the event. "As an administrator and former player it’s an absolute privilege to be involved in this event which is coming to Mumbai after 30 years," said the eight-time national champion. "We always longed to have an international table tennis event in Mumbai and it`s a dream come true to finally play hosts," the former table tennis international said. "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. "In addition, players from Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra will also stand to benefit. This will be an opportunity for them to hone and improve their skills," added Mehta. "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. "It is a moment of pride and honour that the Reliance 2013 India Junior and Cadet Open has been allocated to MCDTTA and the city of Mumbai, once the nursery of table tennis. Also the fact that we have NSCI on board ensures that we have perhaps the best and latest venue in the country," he added. PTI