SHILLONG, July 5: The Save Trees team emerged champions of the 8th All Meghalaya Masters Table Tennis Team Championship, organised by the Meghalaya Veteran Table Tennis Association (MVTTA) to commemorate World Environment Day at the Polo Stadium here on Saturday.
The annual event brought together veteran table tennis players from across Meghalaya, with former paddlers representing teams named after environmental and social awareness themes.
Eight teams competed in the championship — Go Green, Stay Fit, Save Fuel, Swachh Bharat, Save Trees, Save Water, Save Earth and Protect Nature.
The title went to the Save Trees team, led by Bruce Marak, after a closely fought 3-2 victory over the Save Earth team in the final. The decisive match saw Ratan Biswakarma of Save Trees defeat Eros Kharshiing 3-0 to seal the championship.
Apart from Marak and Biswakarma, the winning team comprised Suraj Joshi, Kiran Thapa and Anand Kausal.The runners-up, Save Earth, were captained by Lamphrang L Nonglait and featured Arup Nag of Tura, J Warbah, B.R. Dasgupta and Eros Kharshiing.
Despite his team’s defeat in the final, Arup Nag enjoyed an outstanding tournament, winning all his matches and earning the Player of the Tournament award for his consistent performances.
During the prize distribution ceremony, veteran paddler Taraman Gurung was presented with a special award in recognition of his exemplary contribution to sports, particularly table tennis, over the years.
The prize presentation function was compered by Gideon Kharkongor and attended by Meghalaya MLA A.L. Hek as the chief guest. The event was organised by the Meghalaya Veteran Table Tennis Association as part of its annual initiative to combine sport with awareness on environmental conservation.
