Bogor Agricultural University is Hosting the Indonesian Table Tennis Tournament

Persatuan Tenis Meja Seluruh Indonesia (PTMSI – Table Tennis Association of Indonesia), Bogor City chapter, in cooperation with the Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa (UKM – Student Activity Unit) of Bogor Agricultural University for Table Tennis to host the Indonesian Table Tennis Tournament, held on 18 – 20 May 2012 at the Gymnasium, Darmaga Campus. The title of the table tennis tournament “Bogor Series 6-IPB” was participated by 624 players from various regions in the country.

The tournament was officially opened by Head of the Sub-Directorate of Interest and Talent, the Directorate of Student Affairs, Mr. Bambang Riyanto, Spi., M.Si., on behalf of Rector. Mr. Riyanto was delighted to welcome such prestigious tournament as it will attract more people to participate, especially the academic community of the University. "This is good opportunity for students, in their capacities as members of the Organizing Committee or participants, to start their debouts into the national level. Especially for players, this might be their chances to go into the international tournament, "he said.

So far, no IPB table tennis players who have been  successful to get tickets to play at the international torunaments. But he believes that someday there might be students or alumnus of IPB who could raise the Indonesian flag in the international arena for special  sport which simply named “ping pong”. Chairman of PTMSI Bogor City chapter, Mr. Subono, stated that the objective of the tournament was to promote table tennis to the community at large. "We took IPB as partner as the University is noted all over the country and its name will expedite the socialization program. In addition, the tournament will also be the forum to evaluate the qualifications of the players. What do training programs  mean if they won’t be followed by tournament. Coaching certainly will not be measurable, "said alumni of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, who is currently chairman of “pencak silat Persaudaraan Setia Hati Teratai” at Cilodong, Bogor.

The Coach of Table Tennis team of IPB, Dr. Irzaman, stated that in three consequtive years IPB had been selected to host Table Tennis events. "This activity had been the softkill training for students of IPB who are members of Table Tennis team to be the facilitators of  the national event. In addition, this tournament is the forum for coaching for the beginner of the Indonesian players, "said Dr.Irzaman. Total grand prizes for the current tournament was Rp. 100 million across all 4 (four) categories: the beginners (less than 12 years), Junior group (12-16 years), the Veteran group (over 45 years) and the executive group (hobbyist of table tennis). (Wied).