SHILLONG:
The Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy showcased their exceptional skills and talent at the 2nd Meghalaya Open Table Tennis Cash Prize Tournament held on June 2 and 3. Organised by the Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy, the event witnessed intense competition among participants from various age categories.
The tournament concluded on Saturday with Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy emerging as the clear victors, securing an impressive total of 7 gold and 3 silver medals out of the 18 medals awarded.
In the Under-15 Boys Singles category, Debobrata Paul defeated Sagnik Choudhury both from the Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy, exhibiting outstanding prowess in the sport with a remarkable 3-0 score.
The Under-19 Boys Singles saw Kapil Biswakarma from the Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy emerge as the winner after a thrilling match against Labeeb Faisel Ahmed. The final score of 4-3 reflected the intense competition and determination displayed by both players.
The Men’s Singles category witnessed Suranjit Dey of the Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy as the champion, defeating Sandeep Kumar with a score of 4-1.
Tanushree Dasgupta, representing the Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy, dominated the Women’s Singles event, securing the first-place position with an impressive 4-0 victory over Diva Tang.
In the Veteran Singles category, Amit Gupta from the Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy showcased his experience and skill, emerging as the winner in a hard-fought battle against Santanu Ghosh. The final score of 3-1 highlighted the competitive spirit displayed by both players.
The Men’s Doubles event witnessed the duo of Suranjit Dey and Sandeep Kumar from the Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy emerge as champions, defeating Santanu Ghosh and Rituraj Shabong with a convincing score of 3-0.
In the Veteran Doubles category, Bishnu Joshi and Santanu Ghosh clinched the title, triumphing over the duo of Ranjan Deb and Biswajit Das Gupta with a score of 3-1.
The standout performer of the tournament was undoubtedly Debobrata Paul from the Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy, who displayed exceptional talent and determination throughout. Paul was awarded the title of “Most Promising Player of the Tournament” for his remarkable achievements.
The tournament also recognized the outstanding contributions of late B.C Bania, the godfather and pioneer of table tennis in Meghalaya. Mrs. Wastenot Shabong, the wife of late B.C Bania, sponsored the Men’s and Women’s Singles Champion Trophy, paying homage to his legacy.
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners and runners-up across all categories. In the Under-15 category, the winner received a cash prize of Rs 5000, while the runner-up received Rs 3000. In the Under-19 category, the winner received Rs 6000, and the runner-up received Rs 4000. The winners of the Men’s and Women’s Singles categories received a cash award of Rs 10,000 each, while the runners-up received Rs 8000. In the Men’s Doubles and Veteran Singles categories, the winners received Rs 7000, and the runners-up were awarded Rs 5000. Similarly, the winners of the Veteran Doubles category received Rs 7000, and the runners-up received Rs 5000 in cash prizes.
The Laban Sports Club Table Tennis Academy’s exceptional performance not only showcased their dominance in the tournament but also highlighted their dedication and training in the sport. Their remarkable achievement is a testament to the Academy’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting table tennis in Meghalaya.
 The tournament’s success was a result of the combined efforts of organizers, participants, and sponsors. The late B.C Bania, revered as the godfather and pioneer of table tennis in Meghalaya, was remembered for his invaluable contributions to the sport.