Date:11/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/11/stories/2005021108462000.htm

Sport - Table Tennis

Setback for KTTA

BANGALORE, FEB. 10. Karnataka Table Tennis Association's bid to host the Asia Cup later this year suffered a setback as the Asian Table tennis Union has put a pre-condition that the venue has to be air-conditioned.

Confirming ATTU's stand, G. Satyanarayana, Secretary, KTTA, said that the TTFI had intimated him about the requirement. "Unforunately, there is nothing we can do about that here as all venues including the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, do not have AC facilities. We booked the stadium for July and we have now informed the Sports Authority of Karnataka that we might not be in a position to conduct the event''.

Mr. Satyanarayana, however, said all hopes are not lost yet and the TTFI is making a request to ATTU, to re-schedule the event to November, when outdoor weather conditions match the room temperature. In case Bangalore loses out , the Asia Cup will go to Kolkata, New Delhi or Hyderabad, which boast of AC Stadia.