Table Tennis Association launches High Performance Development

Tuesday, 13 July 2021 02:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The 8 athletes selected for the High Performance Development program, from left: Senura Silva, Krishan Wickramarathne, Chameera Ginige, Milinda Lakshitha, Ishara Madurangi, Bimandee Bandara, Muthumali Priyadarshani, Hansani Piumila

By Shamseer Jaleel

The National Sports Council, chaired by former Test cricketer Mahela Jayawardene, has selected eight table tennis players (four male, four female) to take part in the High Performance Development Program concluding in December 2022. The aim of the program is to nurture athletes capable of winning medals at international events, specifically with a target of achieving competition success at the Commonwealth Games to be held in England in 2022.

Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has allocated a whopping Rs. 35 million to this program. The funding will cover the cost associated with training, coaching, equipment, competing in other international events and upkeep of players.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports by the Director General of the Department of Sports Development Amal Edirisuriya, and President of the Sri Lanka Table Tennis Association (TTASL) Kanaka Herath.

The Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka will also be getting its own indoor stadium in Bandaragama, replete with a pool and other facilities. The High Performance Development Committee has been appointed within the TTASL and I headed by one of its Vice Presidents Sadisi Peiris. The Committee members comprise mostly of former national players.