Table Tennis: More facilities needed, says Arif Nakhuda 1 post by 1 author Farhan Siddiqui 11/24/99 More facilities needed, says Arif Nakhuda KARACHI: National table tennis coach Arif Nakhuda on Tuesday opined Pakistani players could excel at international level but emphasized on more facilities, foreign coaches, and revival of the sport in the departments. The 46-year-old former three time National champion pointed out, though, Pakistan has huge reservoir of talent, but was going in drain primarily owing to closure of departments and dearth of facilities in the country. Pakistan could produce quality players should the departments revive the game he said and added financial assistance by the departments would also ameliorate playing standard. Keeping in view the talent in the country, he said, it was about time to hire Chinese coaches to impart special training to the young players. He appreciated the performance of Pakistani players who clinched second spot at recently held South Asian Federation (SAF) Games at Kathmandu. Besides, he said, there should be more clubs and tournaments ought to be held on regular basis to test the skills of the youngsters which would also help selectors to pick the right stuff. Nakhuda said atleast one indoor gymnasium must be build in Karachi to facilitate the players as the only facility at National Sports Training and Coaching Centre, Karachi was not available which was being used by a law enforcement agency. About the forthcoming World Table Tennis Championship from Feb 11-15, 2000 in Kuala Lumpur and Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship from 17- 28, 2000 in Singapore, he expected Pakistan would improve its previous standing. In the last world championship in Birmingham, England, Pakistan managed to secure 50th place out of 80 countries. Sent via Deja deja/ Before you buy.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 23:21:51 +0000