PADDLERS TO PLAY FOR PRIDE NOT PRIZE MONEY

JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Paddlers competing in the National Table Tennis championships would only be playing for pride and not prize money as the national table tennis association has no intention, at least for now, to introduce prize money for the 45-year-old tournament.

But ultimately, cash incentives for the respective winners would be inevitable, Johor Table Tennis Association (JTTA) president Datuk Steve Chong as the association prepares to host the 46th edition of the National championship here from Dec 28-31 at the Indoor stadium.

"As much I would like to see the respective winners rewarded with prize money, I believe the time is not right yet. Maybe another five years down the road, we would be able to do so (introduce prize money).

"Right now there are so many constraints. Prize money means a bigger budget for the host and raising sponsorship in the current economic climate is not easy. Then there is the stand taken by the parent body, the Table Tennis Association of Malaysia (TTAM) which discourages prize money for National Championships.

"But personally I believe that prize money is the way forward for the sports to achieve a higher profile and help spur players on," said Chong.

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SPORTS-TABLE TENNIS 2 (LAST) JOHOR BAHARU

About 400 players are expected to compete in the four-day championships while a total of 17 teams are expected in the Open and Solidarity (Non Chinese) category.

Chong also added that the best of the Malaysian talents would be present at the championship despite the fact that the tournament would be held after the Laos SEA Games.

"I know it would be better if we can hold the championship before the SEA Games so that the National players can use the tournament as their final preparation for Laos.

"But then again a suitable date and the availability of the venue could not be confirmed," added Chong.

Among those expected to take part are men's Open singles defending champion Shakirin Ibrahim from Kuala Lumpur and Ng Sock Khim, the women's singles defending champion from Kedah.

--BERNAMA

DGC JRL