BY AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
Goa’s Christopher Menezes has been appointed competition director by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) president Kamlesh Mehta, for the 37th National Games being hosted by Goa, tentatively between October and November this year.
“It is nice that the TTFI thought of me since this is the first time I am getting involved in such a role. Playing table tennis was fun, and I will try to enjoy my new role while delivering what is expected,” said Christopher, who has demonstrated dedication as a player that is unusual these days.
Christopher is the secretary of the Goa Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and is realistic about the state’s chances of winning at table tennis during the games. “The government is providing all the facilities to sportspersons in all disciplines, but it remains to be seen who will capitalise on it,” reflects Christopher.
“A 45-day residential camp is being planned and a 45-day non-residential camp is being held by the government. The number of sportspersons who participate in the residential camp will provide an indication of how Goa finishes,” he informs
My focus is on helping the conducting of TT during the National Games. Let us discuss elections at the right timeChristopher Menezes, Secretary Goa Table Tennis Association (GTTA)
“Everything regarding all the teams taking part in table tennis will be overseen by me and that includes accommodation, transport, practice venues, medical and all facilities provided during a championship of this calibre,” explains Christopher, who is tipped by many in the table tennis fraternity to be the next president of GTTA.
“My focus is on helping the conducting of TT during the National Games. Let us discuss elections at the right time,” smiled Christopher when asked to speculate on his becoming the next GTTA president.
“As per the competition rules of the National Games, GTTA is allowed to take in certain players from outside to strengthen the team, but, as of now, we are against the idea because we want to give our players match opportunity,” admits Christopher.
“We want to first know how many of our players will be capable of representing Goa at this level of the competition because a lot of effort will need to be put into the preparation. At maximum, we may opt to give a chance to one good male and female player from outside,” disclosed Christopher.
We want to first know how many of our players will be capable of representing Goa at this level of the competition because a lot of effort will need to be put into the preparation.Christopher Menezes, Secretary Goa Table Tennis Association (GTTA)
“I will not be involved in any financial transactions as competition director as that will be the responsibility of SAG. I will approve what is being decided on, keeping in mind the needs of the players, and SAG will finalise the costing,” averred Christopher.
“Goa will be among the eight best states participating in table tennis during the National Games, and we have to be realistic about our position among the best. However, that does not mean that we cannot give a much-improved performance,” hints Christopher when asked to assess Goa’s TT performance.
“Rupees 350 crore have been earmarked for the National Games, and all the associations have been asked to send us the costing of their preparations for the games, which also includes the cost of training sportspersons. Since we are providing all the logistics, the tentative amount is running in crores,” said a source from Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) on condition of anonymity.
“We have provided all sports a ninety-day window to try and bring out the best of our sportspersons,” added the source.
While Goa is technically prepared to host the National Games, the onus is now on players and state associations to first select and then prepare the best sportspersons from Goa, as podium finishes go hand in hand with the ability to host.