The 36th Karachi Table Tennis Championship is scheduled to be held from May 23 to 29 at the Islamia Club. What makes the event this year from the past is that Rotary International ^[1], one of the leading social service organizations of the world, is jointly organising with the Karachi Table Tennis Association. Also for the first time in the history of the competition, cash prizes will awarded to winners. The winner will be awarded Rs 20,000, the runner-up will be getting Rs 12,000 while both the losing semifinalist will be receiving Rs 5,000 each. The top performers of boys and girls events will not be awarded cash prizes but they will be presented rubbers for their bats instead Farhan added.

While the cash prizes to the most of us may seem peanuts, but its a first step. What is needed is more companies taking interest in the local sports events and sponsoring small scale sports competitions to bring to the limelight, local talent. Other sports that have taken a backseat also need to be promoted in schools. The reason for there being too much negativity in the society is a lack of recreational activities for the youth. More cultural and sports events can change our society for the better.

Source: Pakistan Observer ^[2]