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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Table Tennis Association (BTTA) will hold an open tournament at Queens Sports Club from April 1-2.

BTTA chairperson Luba Ndlovu said the association is expecting over 100 participants from across the country that will be vying for top honours in their first activity of the year.

He said competitors will battle it out in seven categories – Under-10, Under-12, Under-15, Under-18, Under-21, veteran and open section.

“We are still receiving confirmation from other clubs and so far the response is good. The event will run strictly under the rules and regulations of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), so we are expecting the highest level of professionalism. This also means all participants must be in proper sports attire,” said Ndlovu.

He said the association had been facing challenges with introducing the sport at the grassroots level following poor responses from local schools.

“Last year we sent out invites to different schools in Bulawayo to affiliate with us so that we introduce the sport to them, but the response was not that pleasing.

“Although a few schools responded, others said their programmes are congested to introduce the sport. That made it difficult for us to promote the sport.”

He said the association had some big ideas in the pipeline, which include the creation of a table tennis league in tertiary institutions.

“We have managed to work with Hillside Teachers’ College and some that have graduated from the institution are now teaching the sport at their respective work places. This year we are targeting forming a league in various higher institutions to attract those that might have an interest in table tennis,” said Ndlovu.

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