The Department of Education has launched a free Table Tennis Coaching Camp at the Teachers Home Auditorium in Sri Vijaya Puram, aiming to promote fitness, develop sports skills, and inspire interest in table tennis among young enthusiasts.
The camp was inaugurated today by former national table tennis player Rakesh Chandra Lall, who attended the opening as the chief guest. In his address, he motivated children to pursue sports, particularly table tennis, with dedication. He encouraged participants to view the coaching camp as an opportunity to learn discipline, teamwork, and focus through the game.
Equipped with experienced coaches and a structured training programme, the camp will run from Monday to Thursday, 4 pm to 5.30 pm, providing aspiring players with expert guidance. Organisers expect the camp to benefit school students and budding players, giving them a platform to refine their skills and foster a deeper passion for the sport.
Meanwhile, the Department’s sports calendar also featured intense competition in the Inter-School Kabaddi Knock-Out Tournament for Under-17 (Boys & Girls) organised by the Deputy Education Officer, South Andaman. Matches were held today at the Bhatubasti School ground.
In the girls’ section, GDMS (SS), GSSS Bhatubasti, GSSS Prothrapur, VKV (Nagarpalika), GSSS School Line, GSSS Model, GSSS Girls, and GSSS Port Mout advanced in the early rounds. Highlights included GSSS Girls defeating GSSS Haddo 35-08 and GSSS Port Mout registering a dominant 40-05 victory over RGT Public School.
The later rounds saw GSSS Bhatubasti overcoming GDMS (SS) 33-25, VKV (Nagarpalika) defeating GSSS Prothrapur 23-09, and GSSS Model edging past GSSS School Line in a close 40-38 contest. GSSS Girls also maintained their strong run with a 39-18 win against GSSS Port Mout.
In the boys’ quarterfinals, GSSS Port Mout narrowly defeated GSSS Bhatubasti 54-47, while GSSS School Line won a nail-biting 58-56 contest against GSSS Rangachang. GSSS Prothrapur also moved forward after defeating GSSS Mohanpura.
The semifinals are scheduled for October 9 from 9 am onwards at Bhatubasti School ground, where the top teams will battle for a place in the finals.
By combining grassroots sports training with inter-school tournaments, the Department of Education is looking to create a strong sporting culture across the islands. While the coaching camp aims to nurture individual talent, the kabaddi tournament is fostering competitive spirit and teamwork among schools.
