Eight paddlers picked for High Performance Programme-by Dhammika Ratnaweera
Source:Dailynews
Table Tennis High Performance development Programme recipients are seen here with Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and TTASL President Kanaka Herath at the Sports Ministry. From left Senura Silva, Krishan Wickramaratne, Chameera Ginige, Milinda Lakshitha, Ishara Madurangi, Bimandee Bandara, Muthumali Priyadharshani and Hansani Pium
Eight Table Tennis players consisting of four men and four women are selected recipients of the High Performance Development Programme which will be concluded in December 2022. Senura Silva, Krishan Wickramaratne, Chameera Ginige and Milinda Lakshitha the four men’s paddlers with four women paddlers Ishara Madurangi, Bimandee Bandara , Muthumali Priyadharshani and Hansani Piyumala are the eight recipients of the High Performance Development Programme .
The Secretary of the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka (TTASL) Reza Latiff said , TT is one of the sport in Sri Lanka picked by the National Sports Council(NSC) in their drive to improve players performance. The aim, to win medals in international events, specifically with a target of achieving competition success at the commonwealth games to be held next year. On the instructions of Minister Namal Rajapaksa, a sum of Rs. 35.million was allocated under this programme with the intention of enhancing and encouraging the talents of table tennis players.
In another development towards a better future for Table Tennis, the Association will be getting its own indoor stadium in Bandaragama alongside with a pool and other facilities. The complex is to be leased to the TTASL and this matter was made possible by the successful discussion between State Minister Kanaka Herath and Sport Minister Namal Rajapaksa. Once the renovation work is completed, the High Performance players will train in this premises at Bandaragama .
It was a red letter day for Sri Lanka Table Tennis and this High Performance Programme definitely give much needed assistance to paddlers to reach higher level in this sport The allocated amount will meet the cost associated with training and coaching, equipment, competing in other international events and upkeep
of players, till its conclusion Meanwhile arrangements to start the construction of a hostel facility is also finalized and the signing ceremony will be held soon.
The TTASL President Kanaka Herath said that, with the High Performance grant and with the Indoor facility aimed at turning out the High Performance players, there is only one direction that the sport can take from this day on and that is to reach the top. He thanked the Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa, the Sports.
Council Members, Director of Sports and the officials of the TTASL, and told the players that now it is up to them to prove themselves and bring honour to Sri Lanka.
