ITTF World Junior circuit event in Goa from Sep 12

Panaji, Aug 31 (UNI) Nine countries -- hosts India, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Hongkong, Pakistan, Bhutan, Singapore and Iran -- will participate in the 2007 Indian Junior open ITTF World Junior Ciruit event which will be held in Goa from September 12 to 15.

Goa Table Tennis Association president Vero Nunes told media persons here today that this is the second major TT event in Goa.

He said, so far, 120 players from different countries have confirmed their participation in the junior boys and girls singles and doubles, cadet boys and girls singles and doubles, and team championship.

Pakistan has the largest contingent of 28 players followed by India with 20 players.

Tough competation is expected among Thailand, Singapore and India, he added. Mr Nunes said the event will offer a prize money of Rs 5 lakh.

The matches will be played on six tables while there will be three spare tables for practice.

Goa being the host state, Mr Nunes said he will try to include two Goan players in the India squad, but the final decision in this regard will rest with the Table Tennis Federation of India.

The event will be telecast live on all four days on DD Sports, Mr Nunes informed.

UNI