More than 1900 participants and supporters from 59 nations have confirmed their interest in attending the STAG World Veteran Table Tennis Championships to be held at Trusts Arena, Henderson in Auckland from May 12 to 16, 2014.
Entries close today (March 15).
Despite being geographically distant from many leading Table Tennis nations, the event, which is held every two years, has proved popular with the largest contingents coming from India, Japan, China, Germany and Australia with smaller teams coming from countries as diverse as Ukraine, Colombia, Mongolia and Iran.
Major TT event
There would be more than 6000 matches played during the week,
We believe this to be the largest international sporting event in New Zealand. This would surpass the 1990 Commonwealth Games which was attended by 55 nations.
A number of past open world champions will head a highly competitive field. Among them would be Peter Karlsson, (Sweden) and Jiang Jia Liang (China).
The Championship will attract an estimated 2500 visitors to Auckland who will enjoy their sport and the delights and attractions of Auckland.
Strong support
The 17th World Table Tennis Veteran Championship is supported by Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise (MBIE).
Following the event, a number of the top quality tables provided as part of the Stag International of India sponsorship will be donated to clubs across New Zealand to facilitate development of an increasingly popular sport.
Karlsson will compete in the Over 40s matches of the Tournament.
Stag International, a leading manufacturer and distributor of sports equipment based in Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) India is the Sponsor of the WTTC. The Company is also sponsoring the visit of Karlsson, who has earlier won the World and European Table Tennis Championships.
Open Competition
Players can enter singles, doubles and/or mixed doubles matches, with eight age categories running from the Over 40s through to Over 85s. Several entries are from players who took part in the 2010 event held in Mongolia (and featured in the recent movie ‘Ping Pong’). With supporters and officials, there will be more than 3000 international Table Tennis players and enthusiasts in and around Auckland.
Giant Sponsor
Stag International Chief Executive Rakesh Kohli said that he was delighted to be involved with the New Zealand event.
“At the conclusion of the Championship the Tables will be donated to regional clubs based all over New Zealand,” he said.
Established in 1922, the Company’s products, ranging from Archery, Badminton, Basketball and Cricket, Football, Gymnastics to Hockey, Judo, Netball and Table Tennis, are sold in 152 countries.
Sponsorship of Stag International is a demonstration of the Company’s shared desire to raise the profile, popularity and skill levels of table tennis in New Zealand.
Table Tennis is a great sport enjoyed by a large number of New Zealanders. This World Championship will enable them to see world class table tennis and test their skills against international players.
Paul Kyle is Director of New Zealand Table Tennis. Email: pk@chartwell.co.nz; Websites: www.wvc2014.com; www.stag.in
