Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: The excitement is palpable as Odisha officially begins the countdown to the ITTF-ATTU 28th Asian Table Tennis Team Championships, set to take place from October 11 to 15 at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. In a vibrant ceremony held at the Athletics Centre, the glittering championship trophy was unveiled by Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, marking a historic moment for the state as it prepares to host its first-ever continental table tennis event, officials said on Monday.

Trophy Unveiling and Publicity Drive
The Odisha State Table Tennis Association (OSTTA) hosted the grand event, which featured the launch of a specially designed publicity vehicle. Adorned with lights, flowers, and a playing table, the vehicle was flagged off by the Minister and will tour Bhubaneswar and nearby cities to build momentum and engage the public. Young paddlers rallied balls during the flag-off, symbolizing the spirit of youth and sportsmanship.

Mascot ‘Olly’ to Lead Trophy Tour
Adding to the festive build-up, the tournament mascot ‘Olly’ will accompany the trophy tour across key cities including Puri, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar. The initiative aims to connect with fans and generate enthusiasm ahead of the championship, which will see top Asian teams competing for glory.

Odisha’s Sporting Vision Hailed
The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries including Sachin Ramachandran Jadav, Dr. Yeddula Vijay, Rabindra Parida, Jaydith Debata, and Technical Director N. Ganeshan. The OSTTA expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Minister and the sports community for their support in elevating Odisha’s reputation as a hub for international sporting events.