Gujarat will host the 20th edition of the 'Commonwealth Table-tennis Championship- 2015' in October-November, office-bearers of the Table Tennis Federation of India said today.
"The Commonwealth table tennis championship-2015 will be organised in Surat's indoor stadium at Athwa lines area from October 27 to November 1," Dhanraj Choudhary, Secretary General of the Table Tennis Federation of India, told PTI over phone.
Choudhary was in Surat to taker stock of preparations for the upcoming international event.
"At least 25 countries comprising five men, five women, one manager and a coach from each country will be participating in the championship," he said.
"Preparation is going extremely well, budget has been prepared. We have began to raise some funds also. The expenses will reach about two crores rupees including lodging and boarding of the teams," he added.
"Centre has a policy and accordingly they will support. Gujarat Government is supporting the sports very well and whoever conducts any international competition, the state government supports very well," said Choudhary when asked whether the Federation is seeking support from the Centre or the state government.
Choudhary also praised Sports Authority of Gujarat and local administration in conducting affairs of the championship in Gujarat.
"We are hosting it here as Gujarat is doing extremely well in table-tennis in last two years and besides it will give encouragement and exposure to the Gujarat federation (of table tennis) and as well as the players who are in action," Choudhary said on a question of why he preferred Gujarat as the destination to host the championship.
"State unit of table tennis federations had asked in our annual general meeting which was held in Jaipur this year to hold the commonwealth table-tennis championship in Gujarat, which was accepted," he added.
Secretary of Gujarat State table tennis federation, Haresh Sangtani said the championship was held in Delhi in 2013.
Director General of Sports Authority of Gujarat Sandip Pradhan said the state government may also provide funds for the event.
