July 14, 2006	Friday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 17, 1427

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KARACHI, July 13: The revival of country’s premier body of the game — Karachi

Table Tennis Association (KTTA) — on sound lines is on the anvil aimed at making it a role model for other divisional bodies.

“The need arise after KTTA which has served as the biggest nursery of the game for decades suffered following lack of interest of former players due to apathy by the then PTTF high ups,” president PTTF, S. M. Sibtain, told Dawn on Thursday.

Be it men or women, KTTA had virtually ruled the sport since its coming into being.

Among other things, there are two silver-linings. Firstly, all gold and silver medals which the country grabbed internationally have been won by Karachi players.

Secondly, every national team had the representation of Karachi.

The proposed revival envisaged designing a junior circuit and pro tour on the lines of ITTF besides inviting sponsors for the whole circuit on yearly and long term basis.

Under the programme, the KTTA would invite bids from affiliated units of KTTA from January to December 2007.

It would be mandatory for all affiliated units of KTTA to hold at least one Open tournament on rotation basis during the year.

Presently, the KTTA comprised of 12 clubs and six organisations. Prominent among them are Islamia Club, Sharfabad Club, Amroha Club and DHA Sunset Club.

Some top level changes in the body are also in the offing. Farhan Essa, a former player, is tipped to be named chairman while another ex-player and organiser, Shaukat Omeri, was likely to be given the task of secretaryship.