By Our Reporter
Shillong, Sep 26: The 1st Inter-School Table Tennis Championship 2024, organised by Laban Sports Club, officially began on Thursday, marking a new milestone in the promotion of school sports in the city.
The opening ceremony, held at the Laban Sports Club Indoor Stadium, saw an enthusiastic turnout of young athletes and spectators alike.
This championship aims to spotlight emerging talent from various schools across Shillong. The event is expected to boost the competitive spirit among the city’s young sports enthusiasts.Edward Kharwanlang, Headman of Dorbar Shnong Laban, was the Chief Guest at the ceremony, with Hubert Marbaniang, Assistant Headman of Dorbar Shnong Laban, attending as the Guest of Honour.
Several members of the Seng Kynthei, Seng Samla, and the Executive Committee of Dorbar Shnong Laban were present as Special Guests.Many schools from the city participated in the event including, St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Army School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Happy Valley , Anderson Higher Secondary School, Lumparing Vidyapith Secondary School, K.V. EAC Upper Shillong , All Saints’ Diocesan Higher Secondary School, B.K. Bajoria Higher Secondary School, BDW International School and Laban Bengalee Boys’ Higher Secondary School took part in the U-19 Boys Category.
Anderson Higher Secondary School and Pine Mount School participated in U-15 Girls Category and Anderson Higher Secondary School and Pine Mount School competed in the U-19 Girls Category.
Jitendra Gareri, Head Coach at Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy, shared his excitement about the event’s potential. Speaking to The Shillong Times, he said, “This is our first Inter-School Table Tennis championship, and we hope to expand it year by year.
We want more schools from across the state to participate and help make Table Tennis the next big sport in Meghalaya, right after football.”
Gareri also emphasized the natural talent of local players and encouraged schools and parents to view Table Tennis as a career-oriented sport.
“At Laban Sports Club, we have the best facilities for Table Tennis, and we plan to conduct workshops in schools to further popularise the sport,” he added.