by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Overall 32 young players, 21 boys and 11 girls attended; two sessions were held each day, the first from 9.00am to 12.00 noon, the second from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. All responded to the efforts of Arif Khan.
Proceedings concluded in Kegalle, the next stop was Anuradhapura for another two day training camp for junior players. Impressively, 42 young people were present, 14 boys and 28 girls.
Similarly two sessions were held each day, the first from 8.00am to 11.00am, the second from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm.
“Interesting, this was the first time ever since I have been conducting courses that I saw more girls coming to learn to play than boys but the passion and interest they showed in learning was amazing and I had a great time teaching them.” Arif Khan
Training sessions completed, next was the concluding item on the agenda, an ITTF/PTT Level One Coach Education Course in Anuradhapura.
Matters began at 8.00am on Friday 7th July with 26 students, 20 men and six women, being in attendance. In addition to Anuradhapura, course members travelled from Jaffna, Mannar, Trincomalee and Ratnapura and Anuradhapura.
In order to complete the required 30 hours, two sessions of three hours were held each day; the first session being from 8.00am to 11.00am, the second from 1.00pm to 3.00pm.
Most notably in addition to physical education teachers, members of the Sri Lankan Army and Navy attended; the group including two senior navy officers, a captain and a lieutenant commander.
“All the coaches were very punctual and disciplined; they were very eager to learn all the details of the sport. All showed a great deal of enthusiasm, all worked hard and passed the practical test. Now they are making plans with the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka, to complete the necessary 30 hours in order to gain their ITTF/PTT Level One Coaches certificate.” Arif Khan
A most success venture concluding on Wednesday 12th July and successful thanks to the support afforded locally.”
“My thanks to Mr. Kanaka Herat, President, and the General Secretary of the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka; also I must thank my good friend, Mr. Chandana Perera who gave his heart and soul. He supported every aspect of the course. Additionally, many thanks to Mr. Chatura Jayendra, the Senior Vice President, Vajira Wickkramasinghe and Chatura Dushan, ITTF Level Three Coaches and to Thusara Sampath, Kasun Ranaweera, the national coaches.” Arif Khan
Furthermore, Chandana Perera, very much the lifeblood of table tennis in Sri Lanka gave his thanks; he asked Arif Khan to extend his gratitude to Thomas Weikert, the ITTF President and to Glenn Tepper the ITTF Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
The first part of the Developing a National Sports Structure Course completed, the second part is planned to be staged from Wednesday 1st to Thursday 30th November; the Course Conductor will be Richard McAfee of the United States.
