'No sponsors for TT'

by Anushka WITHANAGE

"Despite table tennis being a sport that has served Sri Lanka well it is sad to say that I have never had a sponsor in my career. I hope that firms and companies that look at other sports would also recognise our talents and smile down on us," she wished table tennis prodigy Deepika Rodrigo The former national champion, who has taken a break from the game due to an illness, is still remembered for some of her sterling performances that put Sri Lanka on the international map in table tennis. An South Asian Games silver medallist, 31-year old Deepika, who has married into the sport having wed Indika Prasad, also a former national player, laments that the biggest bane in the sport is that 'we do not find sponsors like in cricket or athletics.'"Mom is the driving force behind me," says table tennis prodigy Deepika Rodrigo. In fact, tables tennis runs in the family Deepika's brother and sister also taking to it.

She says that she does follow any international player and presently as the No. 2 player she is very happy and looking forward to going places 'as soon as I get back to the court'. Interestingly, Deepika runs the Indika and Deepika table tennis academy with her husand Indika. About 30 aspiring young players attend this academy. "Particularly, players who represent their schools are very concerned about their future and attend our academy for further guidance," she said.

She is looking forward to obtain privileges for the other players 'which we did not enjoy during our time.' not given to them in their time. It was a great honour to represent your country at international tournaments, but then they are not beneficial if you don't find due recognition. You cannot be satisfied only with trophys and medals and certificates.There should be some financial contribution which will be a great source of encouragement to the table tennis fraternity.

She said that the rubber sheet you past on one side of the racquet costs Rs.3000 and every three months you have to change it. All these expenses are borne by the players. If atleast half this cost is given to us it will be great," she concluded.

She has been in the sport for 23 years and is the mother of a three-years and 10 month old son.