Shillong, June 2: Laban Sports Club Indoor Hall is buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated 2nd Meghalaya Open Table Tennis Cash Prize Tournament 2023 kicked off on Friday. This two-day event promises to showcase the exceptional talents of table tennis enthusiasts across different age groups and genders.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of Laban Sports Club, Sammy Myrthong emphasized the club’s commitment to making Laban Sports Club the premier Table Tennis Academy in the Northeast region. “We aspire to transform Laban Sports Club into the best Table Tennis Academy in the Northeast and establish this venue as a hub for high-altitude practice for national players. With this larger tournament, we aim to nurture and showcase the finest talents from Meghalaya,” he said.

Chief Guest at the occasion, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Rosetta M Kurbah, encouraged the participants and urged them to remain focused on their goals. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-belief.

Guest of Honour and Rangbah Shnong of Laban, Edward Kharwanlang, also delivered a motivating speech, urging the participants to give their best and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.

With a total of 72 participants competing across various categories, the tournament promises to be a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. The categories include Under-15 Boys’ Singles, Men’s Doubles, Under-19 Boys’ Singles, Veteran Singles (40 years and above), Veteran Doubles (40 years and above), Men’s Singles, and Women’s Singles. Each player will receive a special memento as a token of appreciation for their efforts.

To ensure fair play and adherence to professional standards, all matches are being conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). The tournament will follow a knock-out format, intensifying the competition.

The Laban Sports Club Indoor Hall is equipped with top-of-the-line table tennis equipment and facilities. The playing area features professional-grade tables, well-maintained flooring, and adequate lighting to ensure optimal visibility for the players. Experienced and certified referees will oversee the matches, ensuring strict adherence to the rules and regulations.