Apprehensive initially, TT players excited to explore Jammu now

Vikas Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 2

Players and officials from different states and union territories of the country were apprehensive to visit Jammu initially.

Reason: They were concerned about the security and safety scenario in the Union Territory of J&K.

But they were thrilled after reaching Jammu, where they will participate in the 81st Junior and Youth National and Inter-State Table Tennis Championship, and want to explore different tourist destinations of the region now.

Around 900 players and officials comprising over 30 states/union territories are competing in the sporting event being organised by J&K Table Tennis Association (JKTTA) and J&K Sports Council under the aegis of Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). The event got under way at new Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium.

For both — players and officials — their long cherished dream to visit was fulfilled today. The change in the mindset for the newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was witnessed after they arrived in Jammu.

“Before reaching at the venue in Jammu, I had a lot of concerns about the security and safety scenario in the Union Territory of J&K,” said Michael Mathai, secretary of Table Tennis Association, Kerala.

“This is the first visit to J&K for both me and the junior team and we are feeling absolutely thrilled and safe here. The team members, too, are relaxed and trying to focus on the championship. Senior teams from Kerala have earlier visited J&K to participate in the nationals, but for juniors this is their maiden visit,” he said.

“We were of the view that Kashmir is not so far from Jammu, but after reaching Jammu, when we interacted with the organisers, we came to know that Kashmir is more than 300 km away from Jammu. The family, too, was not convinced initially for the participation, but I was determined to participate this time in Jammu,” said paddler Viva Anna Michael.

“After the tournament completes, we are planning to visit Vaishno Devi and Patnitop among other places. I do not want to waste this golden opportunity to see the scenic beauty of the UT, for which it is world famous,” said another paddler from Andhra Pradesh.

“We do know much about J&K except that the Centre, on August 5, bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. All prticipating teams are hping that the net time, the event will be held in Kashmir Valley, so that we can witness the heaven on this earth,” Anakha K, a paddler from Kerala said.

Earlier, Farooq Khan, adviser to the Lieutenant-Governor, inaugurated the new Indoor Sports Complex at MA Stadium.