National TT in Indore from March 14

The 87th senior National table tennis championship will be held in Indore from March 14 to 21, with the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) making the official announcement on Monday.

As per the tournament prospectus, signed by Yatin Tipnis, senior joint secretary, on behalf of the executive committee, the championship will follow the traditional format. Incidentally, the prospectus lists Kamlesh Mehta as “Secretary-General (under suspension).”

The team events will be contested the first four days, followed by individual competitions. The last date for entries is Feb. 26.

The announcement brings to an end weeks of uncertainty surrounding the conduct of the Nationals, caused by the ongoing internal dispute among TTFI office-bearers. The Hindu understands that the federation is also expected to issue the formal notification for the age-group National championships later this week.

Kamlesh to move court

Kamlesh was suspended following the AGM on January 28 and has indicated that he will challenge the decision legally. “I intend to approach the Hon’ble Court as a last resort following my suspension as the manner in which this action was taken by the president of TTFI left no internal remedy and raised serious concerns about fairness, process and governance,” said Kamlesh said in a statement.

“I have devoted my entire life to Indian table tennis, first as a player and then as an administrator, and I will continue to serve the sport for as long as I can. All I ask is that doing one’s duty, following the rules, and standing up for fair play should not become grounds for punishment”.