Table tennis state league next month

Each team would have players in different age categories — cadet, youth, sub-juniors, juniors and seniors. Every team in the league would play in all the categories to advance to the next stage in the tournament. 

The league is expected to add financial stability to the players. “The game will see money which will act as a catalyst in promoting the game among the districts. With major world events in sight, the game needs to develop at a rapid pace keeping in mind the talent requirements. We hope the league can do justice to what it needs to,” a source said. 

Heavyweights Reliance could be promoting the league and each team might be taken on a two to a five year contract based on feasibility. Each team is expected to cost Rs. 2 lakh and there would be a bidding process to own the teams too. 

With big names like A Sharath Kamal, Antony Amalraj, K Shamini and G Sathiyan from the state making waves in the world ranking tournaments, the league is expected to provide the youngsters with a huge learning curve. “That is what majority of leagues are doing, giving the youngsters a chance to rub shoulders with the established players. The younger crop would be sharing the same dressing room with big names and it gives them an unforgettable experience. They would also be a part of strategising, which is an important element in today’s game. It will be a great success in the state,” the source added.