BRITISH ARMY TABLE TENNIS
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ATTA Secretary - Capt Khem Gurung - Email: ATTA Secretary - Location: Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre (AGSC)
Wattisham Table Tennis Club (Nepal) 2024
2024 Wattisham TT Club (Nepal)
Overseas Tour Report
The completion of Ex APACHE SPINNER 24 dating 10 – 26 Nov 24 was under the supervision of LCpl Hem Shrestha (IC) where it was for those participating a once in lifetime opportunity with exhilarating experiences that combined athletic competition with cultural exploration. The exercise planning advisor was Capt Matt Hutson, and I served as the Officer In Charge (OIC).
We planned to combine players from Wattisham Flying Station, 4 Army Air Corps and 7 Aviation Support Battalion REME totalling 19 players, including 2 guest players from the Army Team.
Our photos show
their time in Nepal
Photos by - Wattisham TT Club
Photos by - Wattisham TT Club
2024 Wattisham TT Club (Nepal)
Overseas Tour Report
Our journey began in the bustling city of Kathmandu, where we had opportunity to train and compete with Nepal National Team from Nepal Table Tennis Association Club. The mutual understanding among players was palpable, and I was impressed by the dedication and skill exhibited by my Nepalese counterparts. Their passion for Table Tennis was infectious, and it motivated us to push our own limits while learning new techniques and strategies that we could incorporate into our game. Engaging with athletics from diverse backgrounds enriched my understanding of the sport and fostered lasting friendships.
Our photos show
their time in Nepal
2024 Wattisham TT Club (Nepal)
Overseas Tour Report
After an intense week of training and matches in Kathmandu, the next leg of our journey took us to the picturesque city of Pokhara. Surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, we continued to compete against regional team from Kaski Table Tennis Association Club, further honing our skills. Just like in Kathmandu we received tremendous hospitality from the club, which provide us with the opportunity to engage with juniors and para-athletes. Beyond table tennis, this leg of the visit allowed us to immerse in the local culture. As I had been part of the Gurkha selection15 years ago, I was particularly excited to witness the traditional British Gurkha recruiting and observing the Doko carry race up the hill. This experience highlighted the strength and resilience of the local people, which resonated deeply with me as an athlete. It not only showcased the physical prowess of the Gurkhas but also offered insight into the cultural significance of their practices.
Our photos show
their time in Nepal
Photos by - Wattisham TT Club
2024 Wattisham TT Club (Nepal)
Overseas Tour Report
In additional to the thrilling sports activities, our exploration of historical sites in both Kathmandu and Pokhara was equally enriching. In Kathmandu and Pokhara we visited ancient temples, stupas, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Gurkha Museum each with their own fascinating stories and architectural wonders that reflect the city’s vibrant history. The serene beauty of Pokhara lakes and the backdrop of the Annapurna range provided a perfect contrast to the intensity of the matches. This blend of sport and culture allowed us to appreciate the depth of Nepalese heritage while fostering a sense of global unity through shared athletic endeavours. Overall, my trip as both organizer and participant was a remarkable journey that underscored the powerful connections forged through sports. Feedback from the members of the tour indicated that they learned invaluable lessons from experiencing a new culture and heritage.
In conclusions, the entire 2 weeks that we spent in Nepal was remarkable journey that combined athletic development with cultural exploration. The friendships forged and lesson learned will stay with us long after our return. I recommend this experience to any athlete or team looking to grow both in sport and as global citizens. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this trip a success!
Report and details written by
LCpl Hem Shrestha, Wattisham TT Club