The Sunday Mail
Former Zimbabwe number one table tennis player Vikram Singh warns that the game will remain static if the country’s upcoming players are not exposed to international competition.
Singh returned from a seven-year hiatus to win the Zimbabwe Closed Tournament last weekend, a development many analysts believe is a sign of lack of progress in the sport.
The 38-year-old crushed the highly rated Brian Chamboko 3-0 in the finals at Prince Edward School and is now contemplating a full-time return to the game.
The veteran player had taken the lengthy break for personal reasons, but last week revealed that he feels rejuvenated by his Zimbabwe Closed tourney triumph.
“I haven’t been playing for some time, but I might fully return after this great comeback,” he said.
“I am glad the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union has managed to endure the tough times and ensure the game has been played. It’s also encouraging to see some good youngsters coming up.
“However, the standards are not where they should be and the players who are coming up need a lot of international exposure.
“Without that international experience it’s difficult for them to realise their full potential.”
Meanwhile, the ZTTU used last weekend’s tournament to select provisional national sides as the union begins preparations for next year’s All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.
ZTTU technical director Newman Gomendo reckons the country can recapture its glory days if it nurtures the budding talent at its disposal.
“The junior coaches are executing their duties well and the game is growing. However, we need to nurture this talent because we run the risk of losing it as soon as the boys and girls leave the school system.
“We are planning to play some regional tournaments in preparation for the Zone Six and All Africa Games as part of measures aimed at ensuring that we keep this talent in check,” he said.
