New Delhi: Over 450 players from nine districts of the Delhi will be vying with one other to grab not only a place in each of the 10 categories to be able to represent the state in the three forthcoming national championships—Cadet & Sub-Junior, Junior & Youth and Senior—but also the additional points that are awarded in the STAG Inter-District and Delhi State Table Tennis Championships 2016, beginning at the Thyagraj Stadium from tomorrow.

The championships conclude on Friday with medal distribution in singles events.

Having completed all its district meets successfully, it is time for the state association to focus its attention on selection of teams for the national championships. In that sense, the four-day meeting beginning tomorrow with team events is significant for all participating teams and players who will also be competing in individual events, according to Manjit Dua, General Secretary of DSTTA.

The 10 categories that will see fierce competitions include Men, Women, Youth Boys and Girls, Junior Boys and Girls, Sub-Junior Boys and Girls and, finally, Cadet Boys and Girls.

The Delhi players, over the years, have done reasonably well in all the nationals and this time one can expect the Sub-Junior and Cadet Boys and Girls bettering their best, during the Siliguri Nationals between December 1 and 6, 2016 and the ones that follow.

The districts of North, North West and West could emerge as the top contenders for team titles, besides going for individual glory in the Rs. 100,00 lakh prize money championships, said Manjit Dua. He also added that besides cash prizes, medals and trophies will be given to podium finishers.

This Delhi State meet is important for all those aspiring players to showcase themselves and try to impress the selectors for a decent look-in by the wise men.

The record in Youth and Junior sections, too, has been very good with players from the state having been among medals in the past nationals. But what has been eluding them is the glitter of gold and they will be having a good shot at the yellow metal this time. But, for that to happen, the four-day meet at Tyagraj Stadium provides the ideal platform for the boys and girls and they have to do really well to impress the selectors.

The draw for team events and individuals, headed by the Referee’s team with A.S. Kler at the helm, were taken out at the TTFI office today. Equipment from Stag, including flooring, tables and balls, will be used for the event which will be supervised by 20 Blue Badge, international and national umpires.