The upcoming National-ranking table tennis tournament in Panchkula has been granted official status by the ad hoc committee currently managing the
This development follows a period of uncertainty regarding the tournament's standing. The committee had previously indicated that all TTFI-run events would lose their ranking status while a comprehensive review of the national domestic structure was underway. However, the committee opted to make a specific exception for the Panchkula event to avoid significant disruption for those involved.
Prioritizing Athlete Welfare Amid Structural Review
In a formal communication sent on October 1 to TTFI president Meghna Ahlawat and secretary-general Kamlesh Mehta, the committee emphasized that the welfare of the athletes was the primary driver behind the decision. By maintaining the ranking status, the committee aimed to prevent the severe hardship that a sudden cancellation would have imposed on players, coaches, and the local organizers.
M.P. Singh, the secretary of the Haryana Table Tennis Association, confirmed the news and expressed a commitment to ensuring the tournament is a successful event. The decision provides clarity for participants who were previously unsure if their performance in the competition would contribute to their national rankings.
Future Tournaments Face Continued Suspension
While the Panchkula event received a reprieve, the committee maintained a stricter stance regarding other proposed competitions. The ranking status for upcoming tournaments in Dehradun, scheduled for October 31 to November 7, and Phagwara, set for November 14 to 21, remains suspended. The committee stated that these events will not be recognized as official ranking tournaments until the ongoing review of the domestic structure is finalized.
Looking ahead, the ad hoc committee is working on establishing a new national calendar. This process involves active consultation with various state associations to ensure that future ranking events are allocated in a manner that is fair, transparent, and geographically balanced across the country.
