Masters of Game: Fierce rivalries set to ignite

Indore (Team Newsbuddy): The UTT 31st Masters National Table Tennis Championships, set to begin tomorrow at the Abhay Prashal Indoor Hall, promises to showcase the intense rivalries of seasoned veterans battling for supremacy across five men’s categories (80, 75, 70, 65, 60) and two women’s categories (66, 60), in addition to the singles and mixed doubles events in the first couple of days. The stage is set for displaying their skill, experience, and unwavering passion for table tennis.

Unlike the previous edition, where logistical chaos threatened to overshadow the competition, this year’s event is set to run with precision. The competition department, in collaboration with the Veterans and Technical Committees, has ensured the presence of a larger contingent of outstation umpires for the operation of the event. With an extra day factored into the schedule, the championships will span seven days, allowing for a more comfortable pace and improved organisation.

In a strategic move, the competition department streamlined the team championships by assigning specific tables to each round for the men’s and women’s categories. This change aims to minimise confusion among the players and maintain the event’s integrity, allowing the veterans to compete in an atmosphere where their experience takes centre stage.

While older players may find the pace manageable, the younger participants—especially those in the 40 and 50+ categories—will face a new challenge. Unlike previous years, where only one player advanced from the group stages to the main draw, two players will progress this time, offering more opportunities and increasing the intensity as the tournament progresses. For these players, the excitement and competition will only fuel their determination to make it to the closing stages.

Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Telangana have dominated previous editions of the team championships, and this year promises more of the same. The high number of teams entering from these states is a testament to their competitive spirit and the wealth of talent they bring. Their ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ teams often clash for medals, which serves as a warning to contenders from other states looking to make their mark.

In the 80+ team event, the round-robin format will see just five teams competing, with the top four guaranteed to land a medal. However, the real drama is expected in the 40 and 50+ categories, where many participants still compete at a high level, representing their states or institutions. Their years of experience in national-level competition will give them an edge.

While the team events will be fiercely contested, the singles and doubles events (men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles) are expected to draw the most attention. The atmosphere will be electric, with vocal support from state contingents cheering on their players. The 40 and 50+ singles categories would be especially thrilling, with champions like Anal Kashyap (Assam) and Manish Rawat (40+) alongside Anjana Rao (Karnataka) and Moonmoon Mukherjee (Maharashtra) as previous gold medalists.

Yet, the 75 and 80+ categories should not be overlooked. Despite their age, sharp minds and cooperative bodies make them formidable opponents, and their hunger for gold remains as strong as ever. With over 2,200 entries and 1,100 players, this seven-day event is a testament to the enduring popularity and prestige of the Masters National Championships. It’s not just about the competition. It’s about honouring the masters who have dedicated their lives to the sport.

Under the leadership of N. Ganeshan, with A.S. Kler and Mangesh Mopkar as the referees and supported by three deputies and 60 international/national umpires, the event is set to unfold smoothly and spectacularly. The stage is set for the veterans to prove that age is no barrier to excellence.