ANISUR RAHMAN

Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation (BTTF) general secretary Maksud Ahmed Sonnet has attributed the national teams’ dismal performance in the recently concluded South Asian Regional Championship in Nepal to a lack of fitness, structure, and proper planning, saying the sport remains confined within the walls of a wooden-floored stadium with no support facilities.

Both the men’s and women’s teams finished at the bottom of the five-nation event, which also served as qualifiers for the World Teams Table Tennis Championship. Sonnet, who accompanied the teams in Kathmandu, said the outcome was not unexpected.

“It was not unexpected, and the players deserved the results. We initially decided not to send the team but later revised our decision so that we and the players could realise where we actually stand,” Sonnet told The Daily Star.

He accepted full responsibility on behalf of himself and the federation, highlighting the lack of an existing system when he took over. “There wasn’t even access to the previous general secretary’s email account. I had to start from scratch,” he said.

Sonnet identified physical fitness, especially in the women’s team, as a major weakness. “They may have technical skills, but without fitness, it’s impossible to apply those in matches,” he said. In contrast, he felt the men’s team had potential, particularly Mohutasin Ahmed Ridoy, who he considered the best South Asian paddler after the Indians. However, inconsistent participation in the training camp -- with Ridoy missing it entirely -- hampered their performance.

He pointed to the team’s comparatively better performance in the 2023 Asian Championship in China, where Bangladesh finished ahead of most South Asian nations. “Back then, there was a continuous camp. This year we started late, on May 27, and did not mandate players to stay at camp full-time. Plus, there were no preparatory matches or domestic tournaments, so the gap showed,” he said.

The BTTF general secretary stressed the urgent need for proper infrastructure and planning. “There’s no physio centre, no gym, and the training venue lacks air conditioning. Players undergo six hours of daily training, but less than half of it is effective due to poor conditions. We also lack player accommodation.”

To address these issues, Sonet revealed plans to appoint a coach from Thailand on August 3, following unsuccessful attempts to secure a Chinese coach. He also announced the launch of a national youth tournament across four age categories -- U-11, U-13, U-15, and U-17 -- and pledged to regularise domestic events such as the Federation Cup, national league, and ranking tournaments.

He underscored the importance of reviving club culture. “Table tennis used to be vibrant at the club level – Swamibagh, Armanitola, Young Pegasus – but it has faded. Without club-level engagement, we can’t improve.”

Responding to recent disputes over team selection, Sonnet confirmed that trials will now be mandatory before any international tournament. “No team will be sent abroad without selection trials based on national rankings,” he said.