With the opening of first table tennis academy in the holy town of Katra, a qualified senior player has introduced the specialised coaching in the Olympic discipline among young children of district Reasi.

Otherwise rich in resources, the Katra town hardly pay attention towards taking active part in sports activities despite the fact that the place has got a Stadium in the heart of the town.

After completing her Diploma in Sports from National Institute of Sports (NIS) Kolkotta in West Bengal, Shivangi Jamwal preferred to stay back to her home town of Katra to look into the possibilities to start training classes on a regular basis.

However, her efforts went in vain after her proposals for the training classes with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) administration at Sports Stadium Katra and management of Delhi Public School (DPS) Kakrial as also J&K Sports Council remained unheard.

Undeterred with dejections from all quarters, Shivangi, who was firm in her resolve to promote the game in Katra, managed to convince her family to spare some space for her training classes.

After family’s approval, finally,Shivangi has been able to start her coaching classes with five young trainees from her home, courtesy the much needed help extended by the J&K Table Tennis Association.

“Failing in my efforts with the resourceful organisations, I approached Ajay Sharma of the J&K Table Tennis Association, who was kind enough to provide me the Table. If was due to the Association help that I am able to start my coaching classes and pursue my ambition to produce champions from Katra,”.

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