The numbers game points to a Sri Lankan table tennis gold rush at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games Photo: Pat McLeod
Friday 11 November
By Pat McLeod
The numbers game points to a Sri Lankan table tennis gold rush at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG).
Of the 28 players nominated for table tennis, which started today, seven are from Sri Lanka. And three of those are former international players.
“We are here to have some fun and to enjoy the masters games,” said Buddhasiri Withanaachchi, who was part of Sri Lankan national teams from 1978-’91.
Teammate Ira Ruwanpathirana, a former national champion, upped the ante a little when discussion turned to gold medals.
“We want it all,” she laughed. “We want to have a good time, make friends, but also win medals.”
Both players said they were certain there would be an even bigger contingent from Sri Lanka at the next masters games.
Lukas Kozak, club manager, Gold Coast Table Tennis Club. Photo: Pat McLeod
Host for the table tennis at the masters games is the Gold Coast Table Tennis Club at Molendinar. Club manager Lukas Kozak said the sport, which has been re-introduced to the games this year, would continue to attract bigger numbers.
“At least 60 per cent of club members are veterans, so I am sure more people will be coming to future masters games.”
Lukas said the JPPMG helped to lift the profile of table tennis locally.
“We are really working on lifting the profile of the sport for all age groups,” he said.
“Too many people still think of it as a sport played in the garage without realising there is a very vibrant competition on the Gold Coast.”
Lukas said his club was a training venue for teams coming to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“It really is a very good venue,” he said.
The table tennis competition continues through until Sunday.
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games is being held 5 – 13 November 2016 on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The event showcases competition in 43 sports and is hosting 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
