Bharuch state ranking begins, Janmejay in focus

Gandhidham: Amidst all the Olympic frenzy, state paddlers will congregate in Bharuch to take part in the GNFC 5th Gujarat State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament 2024, organised by Bharuch District Table Tennis Association (BDTTA) under the aegis of Gujarat State Table Tennis Association, to be played at the Sports & Recreation Club, GNFC Township in Bharuch from August 2 to 4.

While GNFC is the title sponsor, the tournament is supported by Sports & Recreation Club, GNFC and Stiga is the equipment partner.

All eyes will be on the 16-year-old Janmejay Patel of Aravalli who clinched the men’s title at the previous state ranking meet held in Vadodara. The young and exciting talent is one among very few paddlers in the state to pocket the men’s title at the age of 16.

State ranked no.2, Jaynil Mehta of Rajkot and Vadodara’s Pratham Madlani too remain in the mix for a shot at the title.

In the women’s category, Vadodara title winner Frenaz Chipa from Surat looks firm favourite however, she can expect a stiff challenge from Oishiki Joardar and her city mate and state top-ranked player Filzahfatema Kadri in her title bid.

Secretary, BDTTA, shri Biren Shah informed that they have received a total of 522 entries for the meet. “With our Indian paddlers doing exceptionally well at the ongoing Olympics in Pairs, the enthusiasm can be seen in our state players as well. State paddlers will be provided with the best facilities for the meet,” Shah said.