Former Sri Lanka table tennis champion Lalith Priyantha has decided to open up a new chapter for female players in the country irrespective of age.
His plan is to encourage female players to continue the game after the age of 20 by overcoming any barrier that may compel them to give up the sport.
“We very well know that with regard to table tennis the women are reluctant to continue the game after a certain age limit which is around 20 years. This is a very bad sign for the game. This game is not a costly one and doesn’t need more space or require players to maintain frequent fitness levels. Any person with a head and eye-coordination can play this game,” said Priyantha at a media briefing on Friday.
“Even if they are injury prone they still can concentrate playing without any hassle even at the age of 70 or 80 years.
“This game enables them to be occupied without facing serious repercussion like depression.
“Another segment of the women are reluctant to mix with men due to various reasons. For them this will be an ideal opportunity to be occupied and mingle with other women”, added Priyantha.
He is pretty optimistic that the veterans and expatriates living in the country will make use of this an opportunity to engage in a sport which is less in cost compared to other sports.
Janatha Steels one of the pioneers in general hardware has stepped in to support Priyantha’s endeavours.