Table tennis tournament ticked off

Fifteen tables were set up across the stadium, with help from the Shepparton and Echuca table tennis organisations, transforming the venue into a hive of activity.

Pingpong balls bounced as players battled it out in singles, gender doubles, mixed doubles, and graded division matches.

The atmosphere was electric, with spectators and competitors alike soaking in the action.

Event organiser and club founder Judy James was thrilled with how the weekend unfolded.

“It’s been a really good weekend,” she said.

Adding prestige to the event was the participation of Div Mallya, reigning Victorian female champion in the over-30s category, who travelled from Echuca to compete.

“Judy’s done an amazing job,” she said.

“It’s so good to get all these players out to the country.”

While the tournament focused on the over-30s division, a few local juniors were invited to take part, gaining valuable experience in a competitive setting.

James was especially pleased to see younger players getting involved and it being something she’d like to grow.

“It’s a really good sport for kids,” she said.

“It helps with hand-eye coordination and brain development.”

The social side of table tennis was also on full display.

Two of the Deniliquin club’s juniors sung table tennis praises.

“It’s the people that you meet at the tournaments,” Archie Beehag noted.

“You make friends through it,” Chris Dixon added.

Off the court, Yarkuwa catered the event, keeping players and spectators well-fed, while Costas provided free bananas to all competitors, a thoughtful touch that kept energy levels high throughout the weekend.

Purtill Group was a a major contributor, providing a truck for the transport of equipment.

The Coach House Hotel, Big 4 Holiday Park, Deni Golf Resort and the Deniliquin RSL Club also helped out to make sure the weekend was memorable.

The club hopes this marks the beginning of many more tournaments to come.