Indian paddlers' historic performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games has provided a brilliant platform to further grow the sport in the country, feels International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) CEO Steve Dainton.
India delivered its best performance in TT at the CWG, bagging a record haul of eight medals, including an unprecedented gold in the women's team and singles event. The star of the stellar campaign was Manika Batra, who ended with four medals including two gold.
"India has the 2nd largest population in the World, and TT is a relatively popular sport here. If the market is to grow in India, then we need more top-class players playing at the highest level," Steve told PTI in an interview.
"Winning three gold medals at the CWG is a good start, it has really taken the imagination of the sport to the people and now we have to take the next step."
"With Ultimate Table Tennis providing the exposure to the players, clubbed with high-performance programs with international coaches, the Indians have been on a roll."
"I really hope that UTT grows. However, UTT is still two years old, a baby, and to be able to execute an event of such a magnitude is a truly commendable feat. The level of players who are coming in is pretty good."
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