Former national players Mike Christophe and Andrew Gorsira are critical of the selection policies of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) following the release of the Guyana men’s and women’s teams to the upcoming 54th annual Caribbean championships in Santo Domingo later this month.
The GTTA on Monday named the men’s and women’s teams as well as the veteran and Under-21 players for the August 22-26 championships which will be held at the Pabellon de Tenis de Mesa del Parque del Este, Santo Domingo.
While Christophe was complimentary of the policy of looking towards the future he was critical of the selection of the overseas-based player Paul David.
“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the GTTA for choosing a team with the future in mind,” said Christophe, a former official of the GTTA.
“There is absolutely no doubt that the omitted players, Godfrey Munroe, Idi Lewis and Christopher Franklyn – though much better players than those selected – have lost their desire to represent their country at this level,” he argued.
“Having said that, let me also question the wisdom of the selection committee in the selection of the overseas player David who Dr Pradeep Balram Chairman of the GTTA Selection Committee was quoted as saying: “Paul David has been communicating with the executive whenever there is a tournament, expressing his willingness but not being able to attend because of the financial constraints.”
Christophe questioned…“Is this a new criteria for overseas players to represent Guyana in table tennis?
“I think that the GTTA has lost the opportunity to be taken seriously by those of us who love this sport and who cry for fairness and selection transparency in the sport,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gorsira, like Christophe, a former national men’s singles champion, said the GTTA had gone back on its stated position with respect to the selection of representative national teams.
“Sometime after the conclusion of the Caribbean Championship, I recall the criteria going forward for National team selection was officially published. If my recollection is accurate, the criteria to be implemented was an assigned ranking based upon participation in local and overseas tournaments. In unofficial conversations while in Guyana, I also recall mention of a new direction with the focus being on the development of young talent,” said Gorsira.
He went on:”Given my recollection of official and unofficial statements, it appears the GTTA have affirmed their position on team selection and developmental direction. It is apparent most of the players selected are young (except for a few veteran players) and have earned their place on the National squad.
“However a singular divergence from the GTTA stated position on local tournament participation in the selection of Paul David seems to be cause for much concern.
“There is no doubt Paul cherishes representing his country of birth and can impart valuable tips and techniques to the younger players. In fairness, selection criteria should be the ‘rule of the day’ and not be overlooked to favor a few. Dr. Balram’s statement on the inclusion of Paul to the National squad lacks merit and should be questioned by all fair minded sports enthusiasts.
However one needs to determine whether there are other mitigating factors that cause Paul’s inclusion to the team. Was Paul eligible because he participated in overseas tournaments and maintained a rank close to 2350?
“I trust all table-tennis enthusiasts embrace transparency and accountability with passion using them as a system of ‘checks and balances’ to hold the GTTA to their stated positions,” Gorsira ended.
