The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Kathmandu as the South Asian region’s top table tennis talents gather for the Paris Olympics qualifiers. In a historic first, Nepal will host the crucial tournament, with the nation’s paddlers chomping for a shot at Olympic glory.

On Sunday, Nepal Table Tennis Association (NTTA) officials confirmed that all arrangements are finalized. Under the watchful eye of coach Mohandas Basukala, a dynamic Nepali quartet—Sanyog Kapali, Shyantu Shrestha, Nabita Shrestha, and Evana Thapa—is primed to wage a battle for coveted spots in Paris.

This prestigious event, held at the National Table Tennis Training Centre in Lainchaur Covered Hall until Jestha 2nd, marks a watershed moment for Nepali table tennis. Nepal will face off against formidable competition from Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Notably absent is regional powerhouse India, who secured direct Olympic qualification through stellar performances at the World Championships, thereby creating a level playing field for the other South Asian countries.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, with just one coveted Olympic berth for each gender. Nepal hopes to emulate the success of taekwondo stars Sangina Vaidya and Deepak Bista, who previously secured Olympic participation for the nation.

A distinguished panel of officials appointed by the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) will ensure the tournament runs smoothly. Fadi Kassis (Lebanon) will be the tournament manager, while Ganesan Neelkanth Aiyer (India) will be the referee. Nepal’s own Tejendra Singh Mahara will serve as tournament director.

Shankar Gautam, Regional Vice President of the ATTU and General Secretary of the South Asian Table Tennis Federations, applauded the collaborative efforts that brought this prestigious event to Nepal. He highlighted the crucial contribution of a USD 2500 grant from the ATTU towards making the tournament a reality.

The enthusiasm extends beyond the sporting arena. Sponsors like Suman Khadgi and Suraj KC have stepped forward with crucial financial backing, underlining a collective commitment to propel South Asian table tennis to new heights.