Table tennis meet for journalists

JAKARTA (JP): Journalists from around Indonesia will have a chance to meet and compete in a one-day tournament held on Sunday by the Kembangan training center in West Jakarta.

Ricky Christianto, the training center's director, said on Wednesday that the purpose of holding the tournament for journalists was namely to get familiar with them.

"I want to be familiar with the journalists in this country and at the same time they can popularize table tennis in the community," Ricky said.

The tournament is only open to men's teams of three people; two singles and one double. The winner will receive Rp 600,000, with runners-up getting Rp 400,000 and Rp 300,000. They will also receive trophies.

Ricky was concerned that table tennis might not be as popular as soccer and badminton.

"Only a few people like table tennis, probably because the equipment is very costly. Actually, that is not the case. We can also use lower-priced equipment, like a cheaper table and balls," Ricky said.

Journalists interested in taking part in the tournament will need to pay a registration fee of Rp 25,000 per team. They can register at PTM RK-45, Jl. Raya Kembangan No. 45, West Jakarta. (lnt)