Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information & The Arts, #36-00, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963, Tel: 3757794/5

SPEECH BY MR ABDULLAH TARMUGI MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO LAUNCH THE 13TH ASIAN TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP WEDNESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 1996 AT 7.00 PM SINGAPORE INDOOR STADIUM

Mr Goto Atsuthi, President, Asian Table Tennis Union

Dr Yeo Ning Hong, President, Singapore National Olympic Council

Mr Ng Ser Miang, Chairman, Singapore Sports Council

Mr Choo Wee Khiang, Chairman, Organising Committee and President,

Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA)

Officials and Participants

Distinguished Guests

Ladies & gentlemen

Good evening to all of you

This is the first time that this country hosts the Asian Table Tennis Championship. We in Singapore are indeed honoured to be given this opportunity. For this, I would like to congratulate the STTA for its boldness and resourcefulness in organising this prestigious event.

In our midst today are more than 500 guests and participants from over 30 Asian countries. I would like to, on behalf of the STTA and all of us in Singapore, extend a very warm welcome to each and everyone of our friends from abroad. It is indeed a pleasure to have you with us in Singapore.

Table tennis is an intricate sport that challenges a player's speed, reflexes and sense of control. It is intense and demanding and requires a high level of concentration and dedication. I am told that among those taking part in this Championship are the best players in Asia, some of whom are world champions. I therefore have no doubt that we will be treated to a very high standard of table-tennis and some fine display of skills and strategy.

However, the greatness of a championship meet like this is not just the demonstration of skills and the glory of winning. It also lies in the spirit of sportsmanship, friendship and fairplay that exist among the competitors and officials. The camaraderie that is built, the respect and encouragement of fellow participants, the sharing of ideas and skills, the generosity of the winners and the graciousness of the losers - all this gives a competition like this meaning and purpose. This meaning and purpose will remain with us long after this Championship is over. I therefore urge you to nurture and sustain this spirit during these 7-day tournament.

I therefore hope that despite the rigours of competition, you will find time to interact with each other; make new friends and renew old ties and learn as much as you can from each other. This way you contribute towards the building of goodwill and understanding among our nations.

In conclusion, I urge all participants to do your best and to do your countries proud. May you return to your own countries with fond memories of this competition. I wish this Championship every success.

It is indeed my pleasure and honour now, to declare the 13th Asian Table Tennis Championship 1996, officially open.

In our midst today are more than 500 guests and participants from over 30 Asian countries. I would like to, on behalf of the STTA and all of us in Singapore, extend a very warm welcome to each and everyone of our friends from abroad. It is indeed a pleasure to have you with us in Singapore.

I therefore hope that despite the rigours of competition, you will find time to interact with each other; make new friends and renew old ties and learn as much as you can from each other. This way you contribute towards the building of goodwill and understanding among our nations.

In conclusion, I urge all participants to do your best and to do your countries proud. May you return to your own countries with fond memories of this competition. I wish this Championship every success.

It is indeed my pleasure and honour now, to declare the 13th Asian Table Tennis Championship 1996, officially open.

Thank you.