Veteran table tennis player Lalith Priyantha wants to keep table tennis moving up to international level among the future generation and has a new concept to promote the game among the veterans, who were former players and became champions as well as represented the country at international level.
The three time National champion Priyantha who represented the country in 13 international competitions and later became the coach, manger and president of SLTTA, said the plan takes in Veteran players to be promoted.
At present the sport has reached very low levels compared to the position Sri Lanka held a few decades ago mainly due to the failure of officials to do the needful from grass root level.
Though Sri Lanka has a Veterans Table Tennis Association very few competitions were held locally in the past despite many international competitions on the cards. Even the SLTTA failed on their part by not making proper plans to promote the sport as once players leave school they are not encouraged to continue with the sport.
“During the past two decades our players have taken part in the South Asian Games, Asian Games and other championships but were not able to go further than that level,” said Priyantha.
“My plan mainly targets the veteran players as they too have to be encouraged to be engaged in the sport and to live a healthy life. I will conduct training sessions for men and women above 40-years who are willing to play.
“Though I mention the age group there is no age barrier to come for this training program which is to be conducted at Otters Aquatic Club Tables. Children too are welcome to join these training sessions.”