The dates for this year’s Junior South Asian Games are yet to be finalised, but preparations are already in full swing. Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation is leaving no stone unturned as it gears up for the continental competition, focusing on identifying and nurturing young talent in the under-17 and under-19 categories.
At the Tajuddin Ahmed Wooden Floor Gymnasium in Paltan, selection trials are running from early morning until late afternoon. A total of 32 promising players, both boys and girls, are participating in this rigorous evaluation. Over the course of three days, the top 16 players across four categories—Under-17 Boys, Under-17 Girls, Under-19 Boys, and Under-19 Girls—will be chosen to form the squad for the Junior South Asian Games training camp.
| Category | Number of Participants | Selection Target |
|---|---|---|
| Under-17 Boys | 8 | 4 |
| Under-17 Girls | 8 | 4 |
| Under-19 Boys | 8 | 4 |
| Under-19 Girls | 8 | 4 |
| Total | 32 | 16 |
The selected 16 players will enter a long-term training programme at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), where they will undergo intensive coaching to prepare for international competition. Federation member Sujan Mahmud highlighted the federation’s ambitions:
“Our plans are extensive. The Junior South Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka this year, although the exact dates are yet to be announced. We are not waiting idly. Our aspirations in South Asia are significant, and we are determined to build a stronger pipeline of players for the national team. This initiative is also about discovering new talent and ensuring long-term growth for Bangladesh table tennis.”
Among the participants is Khoy Khoy Sai Marma, the recently crowned national champion in both the women’s singles and girls’ singles categories. The 18-year-old has already made her mark internationally, having won a silver medal in the mixed doubles event alongside Jabed Ahmed at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
With rigorous selection trials underway and a structured training programme ahead, Bangladesh’s young paddlers are poised to make a strong impression at the Junior South Asian Games. The federation’s proactive approach underscores a clear vision: to elevate the nation’s presence in regional table tennis while developing the next generation of stars.