Bhutan Table Tennis (TT) Federation conducted week-long TTIF level I coaching course for 18 sports instructors, teachers and trainees.

The participants were taught the skills required to plan and deliver basic table tennis coaching sessions.  They are expected to be able to conduct table tennis coaching and tournaments when they go back to their respective places.

Course director Arif Khan said that the level I coaching course is important to make the sport popular in the country.

“The course focuses on training young players to enhance their development from the grassroots,” he said.

The participants were taught various ways to be followed while conducting coaching programmes, foot works, physical training required for the players, and rules and regulations.

Arif Khan said that the sport challenges one’s mind and demands high level of skills.

“The coaches should have different coaching style and techniques to make the player mentally and physically strong,” he said.

He added that the country has a good set of players but they need to undergo regular practice to improve their level. “The coaching course will help them teach better skills.”

Para Table Tennis session was conducted to provide the coaches with skills and techniques required to train and conduct tournament.

Sports instructor of Tsholingkhar Primary School, Rinchen Lhamo, said that she is confident enough to coach her students and organise tournaments in her schools.

Pema Dorji, a trainee at Paro college of Education, said that the coaching would help make the sport popular.

The participants will be awarded international level I coaching certificate after they submit a report on practical coaching session. Certification will require at least 30 hours of practical coaching.

The course, which was held at Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) hall, was funded by International Table Tennis Federation.

Nima