Lanka's Junior paddlers are as good as their European counterparts - Dejan

Anuradha Abeysekara

The head coach of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Hopes Programme Dejan Papic who was in Sri Lanka for a four day coaching camp to train 20 under-12 paddlers as future TT stars of the country has been highly impressed by the youngsters' performances. The coaching camp was organized by the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka (TTASL) and was held at the S Thomas' College Indoor Stadium, Mount Lavinian from April 25 to 29.

Dejan said that the local young paddlers are very talented and have no big difference in talent at this level when compared to most of the European countries. What they need is to participate in much as international competitions to test their level and to gain experience.

Once they identify talented players coaches should guide them to their maximum potential, said the ITTF veteran.

He further said that the best way to improve is to take part in competitions, even in the domestic level there should be continuous tournaments for schools clubs and national players where they can evaluate themselves constantly and will urge to develop their skills.

There are lot of elements in recognizing young talent such as speed, patience and intelligence, but the players commitment, coaches' guidance and support of the parents are crucial factors in bringing the talent to its full bloom. As the standard of the game grows higher and higher we have seen kids are taking up the racquets as toddlers. So there is no formal age to step in to the game, said Dejan.

Each body structure has its pros and cons in the game. Most of Sri Lankan players are slim and it will be an advantage for them to prosper in a speed game. What I recommend for Sri Lanka is to introduce a school to develop a speed based playing style. Pace will be the key to success for Sri Lanka in the international level, he further explained.

ITTF has recently opened a department for education and training and the Hopes programme is one of its first projects. TTASL have done a tremendous job by hosting the worlds first Hopes coaching camp and the commitment of the local coaches is praiseworthy. The enthusiasm of the TTASL was recognized by the ITF and will continue its support for the development of Sri Lankan TT, Dejan disclosed.

If Sri lanka pick a couple of players from this camp and work to a comprehensive plan, aiming at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, practically the chances are high for a medal. But the paddlers must have to prove their mettle against Asian regional contenders several times in competitions before the big event, said the Hopes programme head coach. China has been an exemplary country in TT for any nation to study. They have a well established structure in every level of the game. China's School, Provincial, City, Club and National level TT standard is very high.

They have stadiums which can accommodate 20-30 tables in every part of the country. Chinese government has invested money more than any country on the game. That is why they excel in TT as World Champions, Dejan revealed.