May 02, 2008	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 25, 1429

LAHORE, May 1: Men and women table tennis teams from India arrived for the 2nd Masters International Table Tennis Tournament 2008, to be held here at the Wapda Sports Complex from Friday to Monday.

Although Iran and Sri Lanka had also been invited to take part in the competition by the Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF), only the Indians, who got their visas just a day prior to their travelling to Pakistan, responded.

Upon arrival, Indian coach Ibrahim Khan said that his team was obviously here to win the event.

“Our boys and girls are well-prepared for the competition and our aim is to win it,” he said.

While showing her pleasure on coming to Pakistan, Sushmita Ray, captain of the women’s team, said that she would also try her best to return home victorious.

Twelve teams, namely, India, Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, Balochistan, Pakistan Railways, Wapda (A), Wapda (B), Pakistan Works Department, Army, Islamabad and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) are taking part in the contest, which means that the three men and as many women from the neighbouring country will be competing along with 29 Pakistani men and women, each, both in team as well as individual events.

The federation’s decision of fielding teams of its affiliated units against the Indian teams has given the visitors the status of hot favourites.