The Table Tennis Association for National Development is again at the forefront of the sports’ extensive grassroots program as it hosts the 2022 National Age Group Table Tennis Championship on November 5 and 6 at the Robinsons Novaliches Trade Hall.
Southeast Asian Games veteran and former national team coach Julius Esposo said TATAND, which organizes tournaments on a nationwide scale, are teaming up this time with the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines and Robinsons Novaliches in an effort to strengthen the country’s pool of talented young players, who could be tapped in the national team in the future.
“TATAND has always been a supporter of table tennis, particularly in the grassroots level. From a series of tournaments, TATAND through its honorary chairman Charlie Lim and several Filipino-Chinese sportsmen friends are collaborating with the different Universities in China to send athletes to an educational tour and training,” said Esposo, who will also serve as tournament director.
Among TATAND proteges, who are now members of the Philippine Team are John Russel Misal, silver medalist in the doubles’ event of this year’s Vietnam SEA Games; teen star and currently the country’s no.1 female player Kheith Rhynne Cruz and her younger brother Khevin, who won the silver medal in the World Junior Championship last August.
“Our first age-group competition last July was a huge success. And like the first one, we hope to discover more young and outstanding table tennis players, who could someday represent the country in the international competitions,” said Esposo.
Some 300 entries from various clubs, organizations, and schools are expected to participate in the tournaments.
All participants will receive a free promo jersey from Joola Philippines.
Already confirmed are Atimonan Paddlers, DSUTTC, Atimonan-Tarlac, GEHP, ILO-ILO, UST-Angelicum College, Maasin City TTC, All Star Legend-Army, UMAC, Heimemex/Kapampangan, LSGH TT TEAM, DMMMSU Agoo TTC, Bulacan Spinner, St. Scholastica Academy Bacolod Ciry, Bulakenyong Pingpongero, BPSU/RU, Buskos Bulakan TTC, PATTO, Binangonan TTC, Santuaro of St. Maria Theresa School, Sta. Rosa City and TATAND.
Registration is still open until October 30 or when the tournament reaches its maximum number of entries.
The tournament is backed by Robinsons Novaliches, Toto Pol Fish Broker, Mr. Charlie Lim of TATAND, Joola Philippines, Green Paddle, JP Bagoong, Carlson Digital Prints, Paper Holic, Hard Race, Dave Enterprises, Table Tennis Lab Singapore and Best Tank.
