‘Where there is a will, there is a way’. The best example is the recently concluded Maharashtra Masters’ Ranking TT Tournament in memory of two TT legends Late Vilas Mantri and Jagannath Mohite. This tournament was conducted by Maharashtra Masters’ Table Tennis Committee( MMTTC), at the Prabodhankar Thackeray Krida Sankul, Vile Parle. MMTTC is a newly formed Committee , through proper elections by the active Veteran Table Tennis players from Maharashtra .
This weekend tournament held on 8th and 9th July had attracted 212 entries from 40+ age group men and women, who played individual singles in their respective age groups ( i.e. 39+,49+ ,59+ , 64+,69+ and 74+). All individuals were allowed to play only in one age group, to which they belonged. For the first time Round Robin League format was introduced in all age groups , which ensured that every participant had an opportunity to play a minimum of 3 to 4 matches , that too best of 5 games. This provided ample playing time to every player and allowed them to better their chances to qualify in such competitive event. Team events were also held in Men’s and Women’s groups, which also received good response. This tournament offered Prize money besides trophies, medals and certificates to the winners, runners up and losing semi finalists. And the participants were more than happy with this gesture.
Samir Bhate, Hon Secretary of MMTTC had made it very clear before the start of the tournament, about the approach of their committee. “MMTTC’s player –centric approach , along with its commitment to create a best playing field, highlights its dedication towards fair and enjoyable tournaments for all the participants,” he said before the start of the tournament.
In fact, they have a team of 10 dedicated members, with each one of them in charge of important departments required for the conduct of such tournaments. “ We have allocated the duties to each one of us and they have shouldered their responsibilities very efficiently. So, it was a perfect team work,” added Samir.
For this first Ranking TT Tournament, MMTTC members had ensured that there was complete ‘transparency’ in conduct of this tournament, which enabled them to receive good support from many veteran players, who made their comeback into competitive TT after a gap of almost more than 25 years. Few of them came forward with donations with the condition that their names not to be disclosed. MMTTC members also received good support from PTKS members who were always there to help them.
Quresh Habibulla, former TT champ who played during 70s and 80s, played this tournament and he played exceptionally well. He had practiced for the past few month at PTKS. “I was very much here in Mumbai all these years, since I stopped playing competititive TT in late 80s. But, I was not aware of the Veterans’ tournaments. I was partner of Late Jagannath Mohite in doubles and together we won many titles. When I came to know about this tournament, I gave my entry. Now, I will be playing MMTTC tournaments regularly,” said Quresh.
Rajiv Pande former TT player from Khar Gymkhana, who also organised big invitation all India tournaments in the past, was highly impressed by the standard of this tournament and the enthusiasm among the participants. “I also feel like making a comeback,” he said.
Former international Badminton Player Leroy D’sa and his wife Maria D’sa paid a courtesy visit during afternoon at tournament venue on the final day. Being a good friend of Late Vilas Mantri and Jagannath Mohite, he met their family members and many other players and wished them success. He was highly impressed by the arrangements made at the venue by the organisers.
One of the participants from men’s 69+ group Mr. Milind Moghe made his comeback into competitive TT almost after 10 years. “ I had played in the District Ranking Tournament in 40+ event almost 10 years ago. That tournament was hosted by my club MCF. Otherwise, I am playing regularly at MCF, for my fitness. Now, to pay tributes to the two legends, I took part in this tournament after a long time and really enjoyed playing , as there was Round Robbin League format. I qualified and played in the main draw and managed to reach semi finals. It was a tough task, but I really enjoyed this experience. Now, I will make it a point to play all the forthcoming tournaments conducted by MMTTC in future, as they offer very good treatment to players” he said.
Sunil Khare and Priyal Bhagat had played in Juniours at the National level during early 80s. Both of them made a comeback after almost 40 years, only to pay tributes to the TT legends, whom they respected a lot. They too were impressed by the organisation of this tournament and agreed to play in next tournaments of MMTTC. Premjit Rananavare who is a senior executive with GST, managed to find time for this tournament only to pay tributes to Late Jagannath Mohite, from whom he had taken training to improvise his game.
Ex-RBI TT Players Mahesh Nawani, Milind Khopkar,G.A.Dhamankar, D.N.Shirodkar & Abhay Koregaonkar not only participated in their respective age groups, but also entered two teams in 59+ team event. “All of us participated in this tournament , as a tribute to our star players. This was the first time we played competitive Masters’ TT tournament and are extremely happy with the treatment from the organisers. On the first day morning on our arrival , to our surprise, at we were served free breakfast and tea. In the afternoon they served tea and on the final day the organisers served quality lunch followed by free Ice cream to all the players served in the afternoon.This was like receiving a special treatment. Mr. Suhas Agharkar who was at the reception along with his wife Swati was very helpful . Both of them managed the guest relations very well on behalf of MMTTC, besides participating in this tournament. We will surely participate in next tournaments of MMTTC, as we observed a lot of transperancy in their systematic organisation,” they complimented.
Reacting on the compliments showered upon him and the organisers for the successful conduct of this tournament, MMTTC Hon.Secretary said, “ We players slog day in day out, we deserve to get decent and reasonable facicilites. Being TT Masters, till now, our money was never used for for our welfare and the plight of we players was never understood.We were only taken for granted and that was the precise reason for us to form this Players’ Committee, with an intention of offering full transperancy for performance based seedings and selection process. I am happy that all of us with the support from players could do it together successfully. Point blank, I am nothing without our Unity. ‘Unity is Strength’,”
Tejas Naik the Jt.Hon. Secretary of MMTTC was a silent worker. He along with Sanjay Mehta( Jt.Hon.Secretary), Sandeep Deshmukh ( Hon.Treasurer), Nitish Kumar Dhakappa, Suhas Agharkar,Sadiya Vanjara and Shravani Dhapre worked very hard in planning and execution, under the leadership of Mr. Arwind Prabhoo ,Samir Bhate, and two Vice Presidents Suhasini Bakre and Anil Rasam. “We very much missed our executive Chairman Percy Mehta, who is abroad at present, but he made himself available for all the online meetings before the tournament,” said Tejas.
Indeed, the MMTTC members worked tirelessly, to make this tournament a grand success. They paid a perfect tribute to the two legends, in whose memory this tournament was conducted, by announcing ‘Dilip Sampat Lifetime Achievent awards (posthumously) ; which were received by the family members of Mantri and Mohite family.
MMTTC which is now committed to the welfare of veteran TT players from Maharashtra, have already announced their next Masters’ Ranking TT tournament on 19th and 20th August 2023 in memory of another legendary TT player K.K.Rai. The venue will be announced soon.