Patna: In a major boost to grassroots-level sports in Bihar, the state will host its first-ever State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament from June 19 to 22 at the indoor stadium of the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna.
The tournament will be organised under the joint banner of the Sports Department, Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), and Bihar Table Tennis Association. It is being held under the mentorship of Padma Shri awardee and internationally acclaimed table tennis player Sharad Kamal.
Announcing the event, BSSA Director General and CEO Raveendran Sankaran said the tournament will be a significant opportunity for players across Bihar to showcase their talent and earn state rankings. Performances in state ranking tournaments often pave the way for national and international selections.
The competition will feature matches across multiple age categories, including Under-11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 for both boys and girls, along with men’s and women’s singles. Registration is open to all eligible players from across the state through an online Google form. The last date for registration is June 12, and all participants must report on June 18. Registration is free of cost.
To support the players, the Bihar government and BSSA will provide accommodation, food, and other necessary arrangements. Selected top performers in each category will be identified by experienced selectors and given further training to help them transition to the national and international arena.
Raveendran noted that the tournament reflects the government’s sustained efforts to promote sports in Bihar, adding that focused development and institutional support have helped the state gain recognition at both national and international levels.
