TT team off to global stage

Bangladesh Table Tennis team leave for Qatar today to take part in the Asian Table Tennis Championships with the qualification for the World Table Tennis Championships in sight.

Comprising four men and three women, Bangladesh's players will be featuring in all events at the Asian Championships – to serve as a qualifier for the World Table Tennis Championships -- scheduled for September 28-October 5, in Doha.

Of the participating 31 nations, top 12 countries from the team events will qualify for the world event.

"We're hoping that the players will perform better than before and try to qualify in the team events for the World Table Tennis Championships, likely to take place in South Korea," said Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation (BTTF) Vice President Munir Hassan during the revelation of the national jersey sponsored by Stag International, BTTF's new sponsor.

"The preparation has been remarkable this time under the Indian coach," said national player Mutahsin Ahmed Ridoy.

"But you know, with opponents like China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, we have nothing to say about our target. Rather, we'll try to give our best."

Apart from Ridoy, Bangladesh will be represented by Ramhim Lian Bawm, Rifat Mahmud Sabbir, Mufradul Karim Hamza, Nowrin Sultana Mahi, Sadia Rahman Mou and Sonam Sultana Soma.

Soma also expressed her optimism, like Ridoy.

"Usually we went to play previous tournaments with self-preparation but this time, we've prepared for two-and-a-half months under the Indian coach so that we can put up better performances than before," said the national table tennis player.