Aizawl, November 14: Mizoram table tennis has come a long way from its early days, thanks to the likes of Lalrin Puia, a local hero in his own right. A potential paddler to come from the stable of PSPB Academy at Ajmer, Puia is the cynosure of the state’s table tennis playing fraternity with his exploits. A solid defensive player, Puia has been a role model for many up-and-coming youngsters from Mizoram.

That is only one part of the story. Even before him, it was David Zodinpuia who lit up the scene when he won the Sub-Junior Boys title in 2003. Even today, he is an icon for many of the current crop, including Lalrin. 

According to Basanta Meisnam, former secretary and current vice-president of the MTTA, it was David who paved the way for today’s youngsters. “Because of table tennis, he landed with a government job and that was an eye-opener for many to take up the sports,” he said. 

To this date, Mizoram may have produced only six good players who have made ripples on the national scene like David, Lalrin, Lalhunhlua, Alberto,Joho, John Zamliana and Rober Pachuau. Most of whom are still a part and parcel of the Ajmer Academy. 

Himself a player, hailing from Manipur, Basanta made Mizoram his home and has been instrumental in the development of table tennis in the state. “But more players are in the supply line and we are banking on them to deliver the goods and bring laurels to the state,” said Basanta. 

What he feels, however, is that Mizoram’s biggest problem is players getting stagnated after reaching a certain level. “We have no real means to fund their further progression. Yes, a few years back we could send two players, including Lalrin Puia, and a coach to China for advanced training with government helping us. But we are looking at a sustained programme and funding for real growth,” he said. 

Basanta also said that TTFI’s scheme of hiring North Korean coaches is a good plan. “Though we would like to hire them for a certain period to help hone our players’ skills, the cost factor is a worrying aspect. We are trying to approach the government for funding,” he said.

He admitted that instead of sending a player or two to Europe or China for training, it is always better to hire a foreign coach and help train more players at home. 

Comparing the current scenario to his active playing days, Basanta said that facilities have improved at the MTTA’s training centre at Mission Veng where all registered players of Mizoram practice regularly on five tables. “The sports council is providing us all help in our ‘Catch ‘em Young’ programme and we have three qualified coaches to do the job,” said Basanta.