The 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships was formally declared open by Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal at a spectacular ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here on Wednesday.
The opening ceremony commenced with musical band performance and the customary marching of the 12 contingents followed by speeches delivered by eminent dignitaries and release of a special postal cover for the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.
Declaring the Championships open, Prof Ganeshi Lal said "Odisha has already proved that it is the 'Sports Capital of India' and we should be proud that we could host this international table tennis tournament."
"In future also we will be welcoming the world to other such games of repute. A sporting environment has been created here in the state and in the Land of Lord Jagannath, no matter which team wins or loses, the tournament should retain a sporting spirit," he said.
Odisha's Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera said: "We are now privileged and honoured to be the host for the 21st Edition of Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, here in Cuttack. We have amongst us a generous mix of the best and the most promising paddlers from 12 countries who will compete in the tournament for the coveted team and single titles."
This is also a platform for the players to exhibit their competitive performance of the highest quality, prior to the Tokyo Olympic 2020, he said.
These players are inspirations for aspiring and budding talents. And, today it is elating to see this large gathering of TT lovers in the arena, especially children, who are here for the sport and to witness champions in action, the minister said.
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