The Indo Master Players’ Table Tennis Association ( IMPTTA) will be introducing a new model for the new season, beginning from April 2025. Speaking about the new change, IMPTTA Hon. Secretary Mr. Sameer Bhate while speaking to Magzmumbai, has stated that the existing system of playing under different age categories( 40+ and above) will be replaced by introduction of ‘Level of players’in four different sections.
Sameer Bhate, Hon Secretary , IMPTTA
The players will be categorised in four different levels in Individual Singles event, according to their performance during the past season. This will produce good competition in all the groups and would also invite new players to participate in the IMPTTA State Ranking TT tournaments.
What happens, if a player opts on his own, for a particular level ? Clarifying this doubt, Mr. Bhate said, “ Player can opt for his level; but the final decision will be with the Core Tournament Committee to decide that particular player’s level. If a player is unable to maintain his position in first 16 in his level, he will be demoted to the next lower level. While the best performers in lower group will be promoted to the upper level.”
When asked, if the same categorisation will apply to the team event, he said, “ For team event, we will have three levels, immaterial of player’s age. We will decide a particular team’s level, after receipt of entries with the names of the players playing for that team.”
But, What happens in case of Women players? While explaining this , Mr. Bhate said, “There will be only two levels in Women’s event. However, the women players who wish to play in the Men’s team event, will not be allowed to play in the Women’s team event. We want good competition and therefore trying this new experiment. We will also be offering good cash prizes. I am sure, our enthusiastic TT players would welcome this change. Suggestions from our registered players are always welcome. ”