Nepal’s bustling capital, Kathmandu, is set to welcome players from across South Asia for the highly anticipated South Asia Regional Olympic Qualification from May 13 to 15.

The prestigious National Table Tennis Training Centre in Kathmandu will serve as the battleground for players from Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and host nation Nepal, as they vie for the coveted Olympic slots – one for men and one for women.

A total of nine men and ten women will compete fiercely for these two sought-after spots, with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as the ultimate goal.

Leading the charge in the men’s event is Ahmed Akhyar of the Maldives, the top seed and silver medalist at the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games. Eyes will be on him as he seeks to outplay his rivals and secure the lone men’s slot. Exciting matches await fans as the tournament kicks off on May 13.

In the women’s category, all eyes will be on Fatimath Ali of the Maldives, the gold medalist at the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games. With her wealth of experience at the highest level, she aims to assert her dominance against her competitors in Kathmandu.

The competition format for both men’s and women’s events follows a two-stage system. Initially, players will compete in round-robin groups, with the top two advancing to a knockout stage. The ultimate victors of the knockout stage will clinch their tickets to the Paris Olympics in 2024. Matches will be played in a best-of-seven format, adding to the intensity and excitement of the event.

With the stage set and anticipation running high, Kathmandu is primed to witness thrilling displays of skill and determination as these athletes vie for their chance to make history on the Olympic stage.