SOME 80 participants took part in the ‘Klinik Ping Pong Kadun Padang Kota 2022’ programme today at the Penang Table Tennis Association’s training centre (PTTA) in Lebuh Maccallum.
The one-day programme was jointly organised by PTTA together with Padang Kota Penang Youth Committee (JBPP) and Tanjong Sports and Recreation Club.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hoped that the participants, who were school students, would continue to show interest in table tennis and excel in it.
“In the recent Commonwealth Games, our Malaysian table tennis team had put up an impressive performance which we did not see for over many years. This is a good sign for our country’s table tennis future.
“With that, we hope that the initiative undertaken by the PTTA, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), state Education Department, schools and most importantly parents as well as the players themselves will help to take table tennis in the state to greater heights.
“I hope that all of you will continue to have an interest in playing table tennis.
“Keep practising at your respective schools and homes to become an excellent player,” Chow said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the programme.
Chow also congratulated the PTTA and his team from Padang Kota Penang Youth Committee (JBPP) and Tanjong Sports and Recreation Club for successfully organising the event.
“I was told that the participants of the programme were also given free table tennis bats, T-shirts, drawstring bags, ping pong bags and food packets.
“We always encourage everyone to stay active in sports and this programme had given such an opportunity.
“I would like to also thank all the parents who are here accompanying their children as well as for supporting their (children) interest in this game.
“We also hope that this programme can be held from time to time to stir the interest in table tennis among school children,” he added.
Meanwhile, PTTA president Datuk Michael Tiah said the PTTA would be organising its 2nd Penang CM Interschool Table Tennis Tournament in October.
“We will be announcing the details of the tournament later.
“PTTA is looking forward to collaborating with the Padang Kota and Tanjong service centres to organise more events in the near future,” Tiah said.
The organising chairperson from Padang Kota JBPP, Koay Chia Chia said a total of eight coaches and two head coaches had helped conduct the clinic.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat