KDTTA launches table tennis coaching camp after a decade

In a bid to revive the once-popular sport of table tennis in the state capital, the Kohima District Table Tennis Association (KDTTA) has organised a 10-day coaching camp for school children, marking its first such initiative in over a decade. The camp, which commenced on June 24 and will conclude on July 5, is being held at the Kohima Table Tennis Stadium.
Over 100 students registered on the very first day of the camp, which has drawn participants from more than 10 schools across Kohima district. The youngest participant is six years old, while the oldest is 15. In response to the overwhelming turnout, the association announced that the training sessions would be split into two batches starting from the second day of the camp.
KDTTA president Lhoulievi Belho informed that the camp is being conducted by a two-time Northeast champion from Assam along with members of the association. He stated that the aim of the camp is to bridge the long-standing gap in structured training, noting that Nagaland has not had a state table tennis coach for over 25 years. Most players in the state, he said, have grown up without formal coaching and have relied on mentorship from senior players.
According to Belho, the last coaching camp organised by the association was held in 2009. He expressed concern over the widening gap between junior and sub-junior levels in recent years and emphasised the urgent need to build a proper foundation through guided training.
As part of its inclusive approach, KDTTA has also extended support to children from the Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home, who are participating in the ongoing camp. Belho stated that the association is funding their participation and had reached out to the institution with an assurance of coaching support.
The KDTTA, which operates the Kohima Table Tennis Stadium through a self-funded model, is currently managed by 13 office bearers along with its registered members. Belho informed that district membership is open to all individuals who are interested in joining the association and contributing to the sport.
Looking ahead, the association plans to organise a special coaching session for standout performers from the current camp. A calendar of tournaments has also been announced to maintain momentum and encourage wider participation.
These include the Kohima District Inter-School Table Tennis Tournament scheduled for August, the Kohima District Open Table Tennis Championship in September, and an Inter-Ward Table Tennis Tournament in November—the latter potentially being the first of its kind since the formation of the Kohima Municipal Council.
Selected players from these events will represent Kohima in higher-level competitions. The KDTTA also plans to introduce player rankings through the Kohima Open Tournament to be held after the district-level events.
Belho, who was part of the first batch of table tennis players in the state, remarked that the sport had once enjoyed considerable popularity in Nagaland. However, a lack of tournaments and exposure led to its decline over the years. With the resurgence of interest among young players, the association now hopes to restore the sport to its former status.
He further shared that a Veteran Table Tennis Association has also been formed to cater to players aged 40 and above, acknowledging the growing participation of senior players and the health benefits of the sport.
Nonetheless, he said the lack of younger players had become a matter of concern, prompting the current initiative.
Describing table tennis as one of the fastest games in the world, Belho highlighted the sport’s ability to challenge the brain, reflexes, and coordination. He added that as the sport gains traction across India, the association is keen to ensure that Kohima becomes part of the national movement.
Belho also expressed particular satisfaction at the significant number of girls participating in the camp. The KDTTA, he said, plans to make the coaching camp an annual event and will continue to focus on nurturing young talent, including children from underprivileged backgrounds.