GUWAHATI, Sept 18 � The 21st Senior National Sepak Takraw Championship will begin at the Tarun Ram Phookan Indoor Stadium here tomorrow.
Altogether 25 States, including defending champions Manipur have confirmed their participation in both men�s and women�s sections of the championship which has been organised by the Assam Sepak Takraw Association (ASTA).
It for the first time that the senior national is going to be organised in the State although during 2007 National Games the event was held here.
This time three events- Team, Regu and Doubles will be conducted during the four-day meet.
Giving details about the organising side, the ASTA president Sarat Borkotoky said the Tarun Ram Phukaan Indoor Stadium is made ready for the meet by setting three courts. He also mentioned that most of the teams have already arrived here and the rest will reach by forenoon tomorrow.
Borkotoky, however, expressed concerned over the fund position as till date they have not been able to corner any title sponsor. They have to spend around Rs 35 lakh to hold the meet successfully but till now they have to run from pillar to post in search of financial assistance from corporate and other business houses. But he is hopeful that the championship will be organised in a befitting manner. He also expecting financial assistance from State Government.
Throwing light on the State teams� preparation the ASTA secretary Bishnu Ram Nunisa said this time Assam teams have bright chances of winning gold medals in both sections. He said the State girls in particular are in great form and determined to win title. Technical director L Upendra Singh, who is here as a representative of Sepak Takraw Federation of India said the meet will be held in league-cum-knock out basis. He also revealed that considering the talents of this event available in the North East region, they are planning to set up a separate body for this region.
The ASTA vice president Lila Gogoi said despite having financial crisis they will be able to hold this meet successfully. He also hopeful that spectators will be thrilled by witnessing the game as the event is a combination of soccer and gymnastic. All the players have to be acrobatic to show their skills during a match. The championship will be inaugurated tomorrow at 10 am.
Assam teams: (Men): S Khomdon Singh, E Sunil Singha, M Premchandra Singha, Nobojit Hazarika, Th Loyanganba Singha, P Irabanta Singha, K Rajen Singha, Y Manikanta Singha, Jayfaremba Singha, Pallab Baruah, Maina Changmai, Rubul Changmai, Th Mangan Chauba Singha, Kamal Krishna Bharali, Nilutpal Phukan. Coaches-E Premkanta Singha, Debanda Singha.
(Women): L Ibeton Singha, Padmini Singha, L Haripiyari Devi, Ng Bebita Singha, G Bobita Sharma, L Shyamolini Devi, Th Joynita Devi, A Brindarani Devi, W Romina Singha, T Shamolini Devi, A Menoka Singha, A Iraiton Singha, Sarata Ekka, Alenisha Ekka. Coaches-S Birchandra Singha, Y Ratan Kumar Singha.
