D.S. Thiagarajah Table Tennis Trophy 2021

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A table tennis tournament in honour of Bishop Dr. Daniel S. Thiagarajah was organised at Colombo Church of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI) on April 26 where more than 60 girls and boys participated.

The table tennis club is ably run by Coach V.W. Jeyaneshan.

The awarding ceremony was chaired by the Rev. W.R. Jebasingh, incumbent priest of the JDCSI Colombo Church. All awardees received their cups and certificates from Dr. Ms. Thayalini Thiagarajah and Bishop Thiagarajah.

The Bishop in his speech gave an outline of the sport table tennis with the origin of it and details of the records held worldwide. He was specific in addressing to all participants with a 15-point directives such as master the basics, make the spin is your best friend, keep practicing, serve the right way, utilize different heights, try to keep your swing short, choose your equipment and use it exclusively, aim for low returns, find a table tennis club, keep cool and stay patient throughout the game, try to trick your opponent prudently, use your whole body when playing shots, accelerate at the last moment, leaning forward is the continued way to play and mastering footwork.

Bishop Thiagarajah encouraged the young players to do well in their studies and all extracurricular activities by being good and disciplined table tennis players. The Bishop still holds the opening wicket partnership record of 128 runs in the ‘Battle of the North’ encounter between Jaffna Central College and St. John’s College that is unbroken since 1975.

The event came to a close with a photo session and fellowship tea. It is learned that similar tournament is being arranged at Uduvil Girls’ College for the players of the Northern peninsula. The following emerged as winners.

CHAMPIONS IN BOYS

Under-8: T. Apinayan (C/ Hindu College)
Under-10: K. Aathigesh (C/ Hindu College)
Under-12 and 14: S. Roopeshan (C/ Hindu College)
Under-16, 18 and 20: W. Joeal Bevan (C/ Oasis International School)
CHAMPIONS IN GIRLS
Under-8: R. Jaydra (C/ Bishop’s College)
Under-10: T. Haviya (C/ Methodist College)
Under-12: G. Sakthiga (C/ Methodist College)
Under-14: S. Ilavenyl (C/ Methodist College)
Under-16, 18 and 20: S. Tishani (C/ Methodist College)