GUWAHATI, May 11 � Chinese coach Yen Wei will impart coaching to State table tennis players in a month-long camp to be organised by the Assam Table Tennis Association at Golaghat from tomorrow.
Around 100 players, mostly from Golaghat and nearby districts, will take part in the camp which has been organised in memory of Phani Sharma, who was the livewire of Assam table tennis during its heydays from 1970s to 1990s.
Informing about the camp in a press conference here today, ATTA president, Minister Rakibul Hussain said they are planning for a year-long training by a Chinese coach as after completing this camp another Chinese coach will be deputed by the Table Tennis Federation of India to Assam. He also mentioned that players in the age-group of 10 to 16 years will be given priority for the camp although there will be no age bar for the participating players.
The Chinese coach said it is his second visit to India and he will be happy to train State paddlers. He said that the youngsters should take advantage of the camp as he will put his all out effort in teaching the latest techniques of the game. He revealed that when he last visited the country in 1995, he found some talented players. Wei hoped that this time he will be able to produce some quality players.
The ATTA secretary Tridib Duvarah informed that in June another Chinese coach will visit Assam. He also informed that as per the commitment of the ATTA president Hussain this coach has been invited for the camp in honour of Phani Sharma.
Reena Sharma, wife of Phani Sharma, former international player Nandini Baruah and ATTA official Bijoy Hazarika also addressed the media.