Table Tennis series held amidst hiccups

Despite several complaints on the first day of the international tournament, the second day of the games turned out to be a relatively smooth affair.

On the second day of the World Table Tennis Tournament being held at Gachibowli, things smoothened out following the initial hiccups on the first day. Earlier allegations and criticism from various corners about the manner in which the games were hosted and the many technical issues, were put to rest as the organising committee made sure that everything went according to plan.

On the first day, it was observed that the power supply flickered thrice while the tournament’s junior championship was being played. And also reports that the authorities had failed to provide enough water for the visitors was also noted and the committee came under criticism for its lacklustre performance. The second day of the games saw a difference and all the complaints died away. According to organising committee member Venkata Malapaka, the committee had put in their best efforts to conduct the games with no discrepancies.

“About the lights going out, we were just testing the 250 KV generator that we had roped in as a backup for power supply. The rest of the allegations that there was no refreshments or drinking water supply for visitors, no proper sanitation are untrue. We have two 5,000 litre tankers of water waiting to be pressed into service and a written assurance from APTransco saying that there will be continuous power supply till December 17,” Venkata Malapaka said.

Moreover, a lounge was allocated for the media along with transport from a common meeting point in the City. Furthermore, in case of emergencies, two fire engines were stationed at the stadium. What about allegations that the State government’s promise of providing Rs.1 crore for the entire tournament was misused?

“It is absolutely untrue. Not a single rupee has been released so far, although it must be mentioned that the State government did show interests. Whoever has made these allegations should realise that we put in 35 days of camping and study and have looked into finer details such as artificial landscapes worth Rs.3 lakh at the venue. We have pressed 150 liaison officers to the service of all the delegates and have arranged their accommodation in three star hotels located in the surrounding areas like Gachibowli and Hitec City,” Venkata said.

All said and done, maybe it was the criticism or maybe it was just the apathetic City, there was no strong turnout at the stadium.

However, in reality no fire engines were stationed at the venue. Water supplies to the visitors was however reinstated and the empty water coolers and refrigerators suddenly sported plenty of water.

Tags: 250 KV generator, APTransco, first day, Gachibowli, international tournament, tournament’s junior championship, TT series, World Table Tennis Tournament

Category: City, City News