KATHMANDU: The ninth edition of the Krishna Dhoj Memorial Table Tennis Tournament will be held from January 28 to 31 at the National Table Tennis Training Centre in Lainchaur, Kathmandu.

The tournament organized by Red Tiles Pvt Ltd will feature age-group events along with a veterans’ competition, according to Suraj KC, the president of Red Tiles. The competition will include boys’ and girls’ singles in the U-10, U-12, U-14, and U-16 categories.

Organizers have expected participation of around 350 players from schools and colleges across the country. Winners, runners-up, and the two losing semi-finalists will receive trophies, medals, and certificates.

Men’s veteran singles category for players over 40 years old has been added for the first time in the event. The top three finishers in this category will receive cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000, and Rs 3,000, respectively. “We introduced the veteran category to motivate younger players,” said KC.

The tournament will be held under the aegis of the All Nepal Table Tennis Association. Mohan Das Basukala, chief coach of table tennis, emphasized that the event will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport, as school-level competitions provide the foundation for any sport’s growth.