BOA allows BTTA to select team for State Games

The Bengal Olympic Association (BOA) has decided to allow Bengal Table Tennis Association (BTTA) to select the Bengal team for the forthcoming State Games,to be held in 11 districts from January 23 to 31.

The Bengal Olympic Association (BOA) has decided to allow Bengal Table Tennis Association (BTTA) to select the Bengal team for the forthcoming State Games,to be held in 11 districts from January 23 to 31. This is despite the fact that the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has suspended the BTA following a spat with the parent body and the West Bengal Table Tennis Association (WBTTA).

When asked about this,BOA secretary Kamalesh Chatterjee said: We know that the TTFI has banned the BTTA. But the latter is the oldest table tennis association in the country. It was founded long before the TTFI was formed.

We acknowledge the existence of the BTTA. The two associations are at each others throat at the moment. Things need to be resolved for the betterment of the sport.

Story continues below this ad

The BOA has also approved the status of the West Bengal Kabaddi Association (WBKA) and has asked the association to field its team in the meet.

Meanwhile,this years State Games will see the participation of 6539 athletes in 42 disciplines. The budget earmarked for the event is about Rs 35 lakh. Chatterjee,however,sounded a tad apprehensive about whether they can meet the expenses.

State sports ministry will donate us Rs 10 lakh,rest we have to manage, he said.

The BOA has chosen 18 disciplines,out of 42,as the selection trails for the upcoming National Games to be held in Ranchi from February 15 to 28. The disciplines are archery,athletics,badminton,boxing,equestrian,fencing,football (men and women),kabaddi,kho kho,karate,lawnball,netball,rowing,rugby,swimming,weightlifting and wushu.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram