by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Notably, the course followed initiatives undertaken earlier in the year by the experienced United States duo of Christian Lillieroos and Richard McAfee who most certainly had proved a source of both knowledge and motivation.

Later Harpreet Singh Bamrah and Beijesh Acharya led such courses; now Vismay Vyas has followed suit.

“Vadodara is the sports hub of the state. The government has taken the initiative to build a Sports City. Sports such as hockey, kabaddi, badminton, tennis, football and cricket leagues have become popular in the last few years; this requires professional and specialised sports facilities for practice and competitions. The idea is to develop a fully integrated sports city that includes stadiums, multiple recreational and leisure zones, gyms, parks and other facilities.” Vismay Vyas

Venue for the course was the Sama Sports Complex, a building which houses badminton, basketball, billiards, chess, skating, swimming, taekwondo and volleyball in addition to table tennis. The goal is to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Overall at total of nine coaches enrolled with course members being from a wide range of backgrounds; notably present was Ushabahen Ramjibhi Rathod, she is a Class 4 Para athlete who in October plans to compete in the 2017 Thailand Para Open.

“I learned how to teach at beginner level including how to teach Para athletes. I was exposed to rules and regulations plus how to conduct tournaments and how to work with groups. More importantly I now understand how to work with junior athletes.” Ushabahen Ramjibhi Rathod

 

A delighted player, it was the same response from the local state officials; Haresh Sangtani, Secretary General of the Gujurat State Table Tennis Association, was most pleased with the efforts that had been made.

“We are very happy to be associated with Tenvic and co-hosting this ITTF certification programme conducted by our own instructor from Vadodara. We are very glad that the ITTF/PTT Level One certification programme is being brought to Vadodara and we wish success to Vismay and coaches. In our province the Table Tennis Federation of India will organize 30th Table Tennis Asian Cup at the Trans Stadia in Ahmedabad from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th September; I invite everybody to come be a part of sporting life.” Haresh Sangtani

A busy time in the province of Gujurat; it is very much the same on a personal level for Vismay Vyas.

“I truly am in the middle of an extremely exciting time in my career right now, coaching youngsters and conducting ITTF courses. I look forward to contributing more to the ITTF Development Programme in the future. I am really pleased to be part of such a wonderful initiative.” Vismay Vyas

 

Undoubtedly Vismay Vyas is highly motivated; furthermore, his table tennis education has been in good hands and he is grateful for the support afforded.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Haresh Sangtani Sir for giving me this unique opportunity and the Table Tennis Federation of India for their support. Also my sincere appreciation to the Sports Authority of Gujarat for permitting me to conduct this Level One course; many thanks to my mentor Richard McAfee for training and preparing me to deliver my first ever course. Form bottom of my heart thanks to Christian Lillieroos for giving me a chance to work with him as assistant instructor during his visit to city. Thanks to Tenvic Sports; my appreciation to Mr. Mohan Kumar for planning and coordinating with the Table Tennis Federation of India, the International Table Tennis Federation and Gujurat State Table Tennis Association to ensure the course was smoothly conducted.” Vismay Vyas

The next ITTF/PTT Level One Course planned for India, will be held in the Kanteerva Stadium in Bangalore from Friday 22nd to Tuesday 26th September. The Course Conductor will be Ashwin Padukone.