by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
A total of 10 coaches participated; notably in addition to those who had travelled from throughout India, Ting Ing Hock journeyed from Malaysia to what was a unique event.
Christian Lillieroos and Richard McAfee from the United States were the Course Conductors for the eight days, the first time two experts have been on duty in such circumstances. Impressively, together they have conducted over 100 courses on behalf of the International Table Tennis Federation.
“This high level course is an intensive eight days of hard study and practical sessions designed to help coaches to prepare high level athletes for competition. Coaches must pass five separate exams and complete an additional 80 hours of supervised coaching with high level athletes to achieve Level Three certification.” Richard McAfee
A demanding itinerary and yet another course in India, a country where the ITTF Coach Education Programme started in 2012 being funded by a unique partnership between the Table Tennis Federation of India, the International Table Tennis Federation and the Tenvic Sports Company.
Thanks to the support of Dhanraj Choudhary, ITTF Board Member and Mr. M.P. Singh, Secretary General of the Table Tennis Federation of India, some 28 ITTF Coach Education Courses have now been completed.
“Tenvic is a company formed by Anil Kumble and Vasanth Bharadwaj. It promotes the well-being of people and ecosystems across personal and professional spheres, fostering lasting cultural, social and economic benefits for individuals and societies in India aimed at positively impacting the lives of people through sports in schools and clubs.” Richard McAfee
The support from Tenvic is invaluable but as with all such initiatives, an effective local organising committee is essential. In Indore, the local organisers were outstanding.
“A special thank you to Jayesh Acharya who is the General Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Table Tennis Association; also to Padmashree Abhay Chhajlani, Shri Sharad Goyal, Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Table Tennis Association as well as to Mr.Sanjay and all staff from the local association to make the course possible.” Richard McAfee
Immediately following the ITTF Level Three Course, in association with the Table Tennis Federation of India, Richard McAfee, alongside five ITTF qualified coaches, conducted the first Tenvic High Performance Training Camp.
Some 24 junior and cadet players from throughout India attended; several members will be travelling to Dubai to join in the extensive and innovative eleven day training camp.
