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Pakistan table tennis players told by PTTF to self fund Asian Games trip to Japan, citing no Pakistan Sports Board support, sparking criticism over promotion of sports
Pakistan Table Tennis Federation
Pakistan’s leading male and female table tennis players are facing an unexpected financial hurdle, with the Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) informing them that they must bear their own expenses if they plan to compete at the Asian Games in Japan later this year.
The development emerged during the ongoing two-day national trials in Lahore, where several players approached PTTF officials to seek clarity on their daily allowances and travel-related support.
“We have been told that we will not be paid anything for appearing in the trials. Secondly, the players selected for the Asian Games will have to arrange their own air tickets and foreign currency at the rate of USD 50 per day to cover expenses during the Games,” a player said.
According to the same player, when the contingent raised objections over the lack of financial backing, a senior PTTF official responded by saying the athletes should consider themselves fortunate that the selection trials were being held at all, given the current financial constraints and the absence of support from the Pakistan Sports Board.
“We were told that even for the Asian Games, the PTTF is not receiving any grant or funds from the PSB, which is strange. Is this how sports is promoted in Pakistan?” the player questioned, while declining to be named.
Pakistan have yet to secure a table tennis medal at either the Asian Games or the Asian Championships, with their campaigns repeatedly overshadowed by powerhouse teams from countries such as Malaysia, China, South Korea and India.
(With PTI Inputs)
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