Tuesday, June 6, 2017

IOM TO ASSIST SRI LANKA FLOOD AND LANDSLIDE VICTIMS IN WORST AFFECTED AREAS

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Humanitarian Emergencies, Migration and Environment
Sri Lanka – Heavy flooding, landslides and flash floods caused by the southwest monsoon have affected some 684,000 people in south and central Sri Lanka. The flooding, which is believed to be the worst in over a decade, has left at least 212 people dead and 79 missing.
IOM initial rapid assessments conducted on 30-31 May in Matara, Kalutara, Rathnapura and Galle districts showed homes and villages swept away by the flood waters and mud slides.
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) estimates that over 2,500 houses were destroyed and nearly 15,900 damaged. These numbers could rise as data from damage assessments is compiled in the coming weeks.
Nearly 22,000 people are still sheltering in over 200 over-crowded “safe sites,” including schools, temples and churches. In flood-affected areas people are expected to return to their homes as water levels recede.
But in landslide-affected areas, people currently staying in evacuation centres or with relatives and friends are unlikely to be able to return to their homes in the short term.
“There will likely be a need to track displacement, return, and site closure. People will need shelter and other non-food relief items (when they leave the sites) and we will need to ensure that aid is distributed at the location most useful and appropriate for each affected family,” said IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Giuseppe Crocetti.
IOM is already supporting the government and humanitarian agencies with displacement tracking maps generated from DMC updates.
The UN Migration Agency plans to provide 3,700 shelter repair kits, 5,000 non-food relief item (NFI) kits and 250 temporary shelters, with funding sought from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The intervention will help an estimated 74,750 people.
On Friday (2/6) the UN Humanitarian Country Team launched an Emergency Response Plan seeking USD 22.7 million to address the critical life-saving and protection needs of 374,000 people in seven districts, targeting four priority sectors, including shelter, food, health and water and sanitation.
As part of the plan, IOM will co-lead the Emergency Shelter and NFI sector, which is appealing for USD 6.5 million for 8,000 shelter repair kits (in-kind or cash), 25,000 household NFI kits, 1,500 in situ transitional shelters, and 100 temporary shelter solutions.
IOM’s sector response for the current emergency will require USD 3.5 million. With nearly USD 1.8 million in the process of being mobilized, IOM will need another USD 1.7 million to fully implement the response.
To read IOM Sri Lanka’s latest situation report, please go here.
To see the latest map of displacement caused by the floods, please go here.
For more information please contact Giuseppe Crocetti at IOM Sri Lanka, Email: gcrocetti@iom.int, Tel: +94(0)115325300
Edit"IOM to Assist Sri Lanka Flood and Landslide Victims in Worst Affected Areas"

UP GIRLS AND DEFENDING CHAMPS KARNATAKA GIRLS REMAIN UNDEFEATED


Noida, 6th June 2017: While things continue to remain hot outdoors, the indoor stadium at Shiv Nadar University also continued to heat up as we enter Day 3 of the 68th Junior National Basketball Championship. Matches continued till late yesterday evening on Day 2 and the sparse crowd that stayed till late was treated to some good basketball action.
Neighbours Punjab and Haryana boys squared off in a level 1 clash which was expected to be a bruiser of a contest. However, Punjab’s size and talent was too much for Haryana to handle, who crumbled to a 79-55 defeat. Up to five Punjab players scored in double digits. In the other level 1 boys’ match yesterday evening, Chandigarh got the better of Telangana (89-58), led by Amit’s 28 points. Tamil Nadu girls also picked up a win last evening against Rajasthan 59 to 31 and remained unbeaten.
On the morning of Day 3, defending champions Karnataka maintained a perfect record with a win against Delhi 45-37. A strong first quarter (23-7) set the tone for Karnataka who cruised to the win, despite not having the services of forward Snigddha, who suffered a minor injury yesterday. Kerala girls also picked up a comfortable 48-28 win against Gujarat.
The Uttar Pradesh girls continued to shine in their home court. Shreyasi (17 points) and Vaishnavi (14 points) ensured a 19-2 start to the game, which ended in a 47-20 win for UP against the Odisha girls. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal registered victories today, while the Madhya Pradesh boys overcame Himachal Pradesh in a 71-58 win.

Results from 6th June 2017 till 2 pm

Women:
Level 1
Group A
  1. Kerala(Jayalakshmi 8, Lithra 5, Sreekala 5, Aneesha 5) bt Gujarat (Tavleen 12, Ria 7) 48-28 (16-9, 9-3, 11-6, 12-10)
  2. Karnataka (Sanjana Ramesh 18, Harshitha 14, Chandana G. 7) bt Delhi (Meena 16, Sushantika 10) 45-37 (23-7, 9-11, 4-9, 9-10)
Level 2
Group D
  1. Uttar Pradesh(Shreyasi 17, Vaishnavi 14) bt Odisha (Lipramayee 7, Ambika 6) 47-20 (19-2, 11-11, 10-5, 7-2)
Group E
  1. West Bengal(Paromita 29, Babita Das 16) bt Telangana (Nashita Amira 14, R. Jyothi 10, G. Sandhya 10) 77-45 (31-15, 12-6, 18-13, 16-11)
Group F
  1. Andhra Pradesh(Vyshnavi 16, Susmitha 10, N. Padmavathi 8, Uma Maheshwari 8) bt Uttarakhand (Srishti 10) 50-19 (6-4, 14-4, 14-2, 16-9)
Men:
Level 2
Group C
  1. Madhya Pradesh(Yugesh 18, Puneet 14, Rituraj 10) bt Himachal Pradesh (Jatin 15, Sahil 10, Akshay 10, Namneet 10) 71-58 (24-8, 10-16, 11-16, 26-18)
Group D
  1. West Bengal(Gopal 22, Vinod 19, Saddam 17) bt Jharkhand (Ashwini 28, Ranjan Singh 15, Rahul 11) 85-67 (29-19, 18-11, 16-21, 22-16)
Group F
  1. Andhra Pradesh(AS Pavan 25, N. Md. Haroon 17, V. Naga Durga 16, SS Krishna 12) bt Odisha (Sarat 21, Suresh 20, Srikanta 14) 88-74 (24-26, 24-18, 22-20, 18-10)

Results from 5th June 2017 after 6 pm

Women:
Level 1
Group B
  1. Tamil Nadu(S. Puspa 19, N. Mirudhula 11) bt Rajasthan (Yashika 16, Ishika 7) 59-31 (17-7, 18-12, 10-6, 14-6)
Level 2
Group C
  1. Himachal Pradesh(Poonam 17, Muskan 12) bt Jharkhand (Pallavi Ghosh 7) 39-16 (18-2, 9-2, 8-12, 4-0)
Group E
  1. Telangana(K. Jyothi 17, Nashita A. 11) bt Goa (Amisha L. 8) 45-16 (10-6, 15-8, 8-2, 12-0)
Group F
  1. Uttarakhand (Srishti Rawat 15, Jaya Joshi 10) bt Assam (Mamtaz Begum 6) 40-11(14-0, 15-4, 6-7, 5-0)
Men:
Level 1
Group A
  1. Punjab(Kanwar Gurbaz 19, Swapnil Sharma 16, Mandeep Singh 14, Gurwinder Singh 13, Princepal Singh 12) bt Haryana (Rinku 33, Sachin 11)79-55 (23-18, 15-12, 25-12, 16-13)
Group B
  1. Chandigarh (Amit 28, Anuj 17, Rahul 16, K Vishal 11) bt Telangana (Vipin 16, Pradeep 11, S. Sai Krishna 11) 89-58 (22-17, 27-22, 22-15, 18-4)
Level 2
Group F
  1. Andhra Pradesh(AS Pawan Kumar 13, SS Krishna 13) bt Puducherry (M. Samuel 6) 55-26 (19-7, 11-4, 19-5, 6-10)

About the 68th Junior National Basketball Championship 2017

The 68th Junior National Basketball Championship for Men and Women is being held at Shiv Nadar University in GautamBudh Nagar District, Noida, Uttar Pradeshfrom 4th to 11th June 2017. The Championship features 25 men’s teams and 24 women’s teams in the U18 age group, from various Indian States and Union territories, and is being played in a league cum knockout format. Tamil Nadu boys and Karnataka girls are the defending champions from the previous edition held in Puducherry in May 2016.
The teams are grouped into two levels –Level 1 features the top 10 teams from the previous championship divided into two groups of five teams each (Group A and B), while Level 2 features the remaining teams divided into four groups (Group C, D, E, F).
In the league stages, all the teams play each of the other teams in their group once. The top three teams from each of the groups in Level 1 advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the fourth placed teams play pre-quarterfinal games against the top two teams from Level 2.
Over the years, this Championship has provided a platform for the country’s best players in the U18 category to showcase their talents. This allows selectors to identify and shortlist the most promising players and coaches to parachute into national team training camps with an eye towards participation in international events.

About Basketball Federation of India

The Basketball Federation of India or BFI is the governing and controlling body of basketball in India, and is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels. BFI has been involved in conducting camps, clinics, events, and training sessions at its academies for the development of basketball. BFI came into being in 1935 and took complete control over Indian basketball in 1950. Prior to that time, the Indian Olympic Association handled the conduct of Indian basketball championships. Since 1950, the BFI has been conducting various such championships, from the grassroots to senior team participation in international tournaments. In addition, the BFI has been responsible for the establishment of strong sub-junior and junior level programs. The BFI has to its credit produced several international players of repute, among them 17 have been bestowed with the honour of Arjuna Awards. Earlier in June 2015, 19-year-old Satnam Singh Bhamara made history by becoming the first Indian national to be drafted by an NBA team, when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks. More information at www.basketballfederationindia.org

Edit"UP girls and defending champs Karnataka girls remain undefeated"

SAINT GURMEET RAM RAHIM SINGH INSAN WILL GIVE STARTUP TO SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN

PRESS INVITATION

Hakikat Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. cordially invites you on The Success Party of the blockbuster film

“Jattu Engineer”
For achieving 200crore mark
Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan
Will give startup to
Signature Campaign
(Where the signatures of 10 Lakh people, will be forwarded to PM Narendra Modi to make Cow National Mother of India. Along with a Cow Milk Party.)


Guests List:
  • Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Ji Insan
  • Honeypreet Insan



Time: 11:30am
Date: 7th June 2017, (Wednesday)
Venue: The Lalit, Barakhamba Road


You are requested to send correspondents/ photographers/ camera crew for the Event.
Edit"Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan Will give startup to Signature Campaign"

DVD COLLECTION OF ANIL KAPOOR’S SUSPENSE CRIME THRILLER “24- SEASON 2

Ultra Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd launched the DVD Collection of Anil Kapoor’s suspense crime thriller “24- Season 2”
  • Consists of an attractive pack of a 6 DVD’s set which includes all the 24 telecasted episodes of the serial in a lucid, storytelling format 
  • This appealing collection of DVD’s is available all over India in an affordable price of Rs 1499 / – only
  • One can even get it home delivered in a very short time by ordering it through ecommerce sites like Flipkart,Snapdeal & Amazon
June 2017, Mumbai :Ultra Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd launched a 6 set DVD collection of Anil Kapoor’s suspense crime thriller “24- Season 2”. Jai Singh Rathod returns to action after three years. His wife dead… his family shattered… himself a recovering alcoholic, Jai is no longer a part of the Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) now.
The day begins with Jai attempting a daring rescue of convicted drug lord and terror mastermind Roshan Sherchan, who is to be hanged in the next 24 hours in Pune Central Jail. At the same time Roshan’s younger brother Haroon threatens to release a deadly virus in Mumbai if his brother is harmed in any way. Jai, who appears to be working for Haroon finds himself caught in the crossfire between the Sherchans and ATU.To save Mumbai, Jai has to use every trick in the book. With ATU hunting for him as an accomplice of the Sherchans, Jai’s mission has never been more personal, more dangerous and an impossible race against time.
Will 24 hours be enough?
“24- Season 2” was telecasted in Colors from 23rd July 2016 onwards. It was a instant success from its season 1 itself & enjoyed a high TRP rating throughout its tenure. Produced by Anil Kapoor and directed by Abhinay Deo, Rensil D’silva, Karan Boolani & Jijy Phillip. It starred Anil Kapoor in the main lead ofJai Singh Rathod. He was supported by Ashish Vidyarthi, Sakshi Tanwar, Surveen Chawla, Sikandar Kher, Neil Bhoopalam and more.
The DVD set is amended in a very lucid story telling format, wherein every episode is continued by the other as its logical extension. This easy to watch, uninterrupted format makes it effortless for viewers to follow the entire journey seamlessly. To simplify it more the entire content is supported by English subtitles.
Ultra Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd is an entertainment conglomerate and a pioneer in providing home video solutions globally since the past 35 years. It always has been in forefront in providing entertainment of various genres to the worldwide audience. Be it mythology, history, drama, comedy, thriller, action etc, Ultra has brought them to your drawing room now since decades through its robust distribution network. Continuing its tradition of re living the rich, historical, mythological and well known Indian TV serials, Ultra in the past have successfully launchedMalgudi days, Devon Ka Dev Mahadev – Season 1 and 2, Mahabharat, Ramayan, Jai Hanuman, Jolly LLB 2, M.S. Dhoni- The Untold Story, Neerja, Force 2, Akira, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Mein Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, I am Kalam, Classic Hits of Guru Dutt and many more globally.
The company also currently has an exhaustive library consisting of over 1500 titles comprising of blockbuster Indian Films, television serials and other contents and is associated with some of the leading production studios worldwide
Edit"DVD Collection of Anil Kapoor’s suspense crime thriller “24- Season 2"

TURNING THE TIDE

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TURNING THE TIDE

Secretary-General: Nations must overcome resource, territorial interests or watch ocean health deteriorate further


Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ “Turning the Tide” opening remarks to the Ocean Conference in New York on 5 June:
I thank the Governments of Fiji and Sweden for co-hosting this Conference, and I thank everybody who was involved in its preparation.  But a special word of gratitude to the President of the General Assembly, Peter Thomson, for his determination and leadership all the way through that led to this Conference.
We are here today to take decisive action to nurture and protect the lifeblood of our planet.  Oceans and seas cover two thirds of our home.  Maybe we should change its name from “Planet Earth” to “Planet Water.”
Oceans provide food, energy, water, jobs and economic benefits for people in every country — even those that are landlocked.  They are a crucial buffer against climate change and a massive resource for sustainable development.  The health of our oceans and seas is inextricably linked with the health of our planet and all life on earth.
Many nationalities, including mine, have a special relationship with the sea.  The truth is, the sea has a special relationship with all of us.  It keeps us alive.  But that relationship is now under threat as never before.  Pollution, overfishing and the effects of climate change are severely damaging the health of our oceans.  According to one recent study, plastic could outweigh fish – if nothing happens – in our seas by 2050.
Rising sea levels threaten entire countries.  Oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, causing coral bleaching and reducing biodiversity.  Changing currents will have a serious impact on weather patterns; we must prepare for more frequent storms and droughts.
Fisheries in some places are collapsing.  Dead zones — underwater deserts where life cannot survive because of a lack of oxygen — are growing rapidly in extent and number.  Many species could be extinct within decades.  Conflicting demands from industry, fishing, shipping, mining and tourism are creating unsustainable levels of stress on coastal ecosystems.
Numerous reports, global commissions and scientific assessments have described the serious damage to our most vital life support system — but the situation is getting worse.  Governments are not making full use of the tools available to them, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea, and UN Oceans.
We are here today to turn the tide.  We created these problems.  With decisive, coordinated global action, we can solve them.  Sustainable Development Goal 14, the Goal of the Oceans, must be our road map to clean, healthy oceans.
The essential first step is ending the artificial dichotomy between economic demands and the health of our seas.  The conservation and sustainable use of marine resources are two sides of the same coin.
Second, we need to promote strong political leadership and new partnerships, based on the existing legal framework.  I commend all the signatories of the Call for Action that will be formally adopted this week.  Now we need concrete steps, from expanding marine protected areas, to the management of fisheries; from reducing pollution, to cleaning up plastic waste.  I call for a step change, from local and national initiatives to an urgent, coordinated international effort.  The ongoing work with a view to a legal framework on conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction is particularly important to the future of the oceans and their biodiversity.
Third, we must translate the political will of the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda into funding commitments.
Fourth, we must deepen our knowledge base with better data, information and analysis.  We can’t improve what we don’t measure.
Finally, we must share best practices and experiences.  Most solutions are local, but many have broader relevance.
The United Nations has a critical role to play.  We are committed to providing integrated, coordinated support for the implementation of all the historic agreements of the past year, including the Sustainable Development Goal on the Oceans.  I am determined to break down barriers between United Nations agencies and programmes, to improve performance and accountability.
We are already building partnerships with Governments, the private sector, civil society and others, and working with international financial institutions on innovative financing to release more funds.  We are harnessing the power of big data to improve the basis for decision-making and accountability.  And UN Oceans and the entire United Nations system will continue to play a convening role as a forum for information-sharing, advocacy and the development of international law.
The Portuguese writer Vergílio Ferreira once said: “Da minha língua vê-se o mar (from my language, you can see the sea).”  So it is appropriate that my first major United Nations conference as Secretary-General concerns the ocean — a precious resource for so many countries.
The Swedes were sailing around the Baltic Sea and as far as present-day Istanbul some 1,300 years ago.  Fijians were sailing canoes at record speeds and for record distances around the Pacific well before that.  A Japanese creation myth tells of how the archipelago was formed from sea water.  An Inuit creation myth is centred on Sedna, the Goddess of the Sea.
The sea indeed, belongs to all of us.  Improving the health of our oceans is a test for multilateralism, and we cannot afford to fail.  We must jointly address the problems of governance that have held us back.
I am aware that there are many obstacles to progress.  But we need a new strategic vision.  I call on all Member States to engage in the dialogue necessary to define a new model for the future governance of our oceans.  Unless we overcome the territorial and resource interests that have blocked progress for far too long, the state of our oceans will continue to deteriorate.  We must put aside short-term national gain to prevent long-term global catastrophe.
Conserving our oceans and using them sustainably is preserving life itself.
Thank you very much.
Edit"TURNING THE TIDE"

CABINET SECRETARY ASKS DIFFERENT MINISTRIES AND PSUS TO SET-UP AND ACTIVATE A GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST) FACILITATION CELL

The different Ministries/Departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under these ministries have been asked by the Cabinet Secretary to set-up and activate a GST Facilitation Cell to provide all possible support to the business and industry sector for the smooth roll-out of GST with effect from 1st July, 2017.
The Cabinet Secretary, Government of India , Shri P.K. Sinha has asked the Secretaries of the different Ministries/Departments to set-up a Goods and Service Tax (GST) Facilitation Cell in their respective Department/Ministry. Shri Sinha said that the Cell, in turn, shall be in constant touch with the major industry and business associations relating to the respective Ministry/Department and provide all possible support for the smooth roll-out of GST w.e.f. 1st July, 2017.
The Cabinet Secretary in a letter to the Secretaries of the different Ministries/Departments has further mentioned that the GST Facilitation Cell can preferably be managed by a small core team headed by the Economic Adviser or any other designated officer of the respective Ministry/Department. He said while the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance is making the Help lines operational for any individual tax payer to seek resolution of any legal or IT related issues, the GST Facilitation Cell, on the other hand, could serve as the first point of contact for addressing any issue being faced by any business or industrial sector related to the respective Ministry. He further added that this would greatly facilitate the roll-out of GST.
 
The Cabinet Secretary in his letter to the Secretaries of the different Ministries/Departments has also asked them to ensure that all Public Sector Units (PSUs) under the administrative control of their respective Ministry/Department are GST Compliant before 1st July, 2017. He asked the Secretaries to have meeting(s) with all the CMDs/Chair Persons of the PSUs, if any, under their charge in order to sensitize them towards GST roll-out. The Cabinet Secretary further added that preferably each PSU may constitute a GST Cell, which, in turn, should be fully equipped with the complete knowledge of all the relevant GST Act/Rules/Rate Structure etc.
 
Shri P.K.Sinha has further stated that to ensure smooth and successful roll-out of GST, it is essential that all stakeholders, both in the Government as well outside, are adequately prepared for the roll-out. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that all sectors/businesses are GST ready before 1st July, 2017.
 
Earlier, the Revenue Secretary, Dr. Hasmukh Adhia had also written to the Secretaries of the different Ministries/Departments that there is an urgent need for all the Central Governments Ministries/PSUs (working under them) to be made aware of the basic features of GST Law and procedures, including implication in their respective areas of work. The Revenue Secretary had stated that the PSUs and other entities who are likely to pay GST need to be GST ready.
 
The Revenue Secretary, Dr. Adhia had also mentioned that the new scheme of tax administration will have an impact on the work of various Ministries/Departments including PSUs and other autonomous bodies who are involved in the economic activity in one way or the other, therefore, there is need for a time bound schedule for undertaking GST awareness campaign and training programme for the officials of the respective Ministry/Department. The Revenue Secretary stated that National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics (NACEN) has been mandated to conduct the GST training for the officers as well as for the representatives of trade and industry. He said that NECAN has a panel of resource persons/master trainers across India and would be happy to provide required assistance in this regard.
Edit"Cabinet Secretary asks different Ministries and PSUs to set-up and activate a Goods and Services Tax (GST) Facilitation Cell"

24 FOREIGN PLAYERS FOR ULTIMATE TABLE TENNIS

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Men’s World No. 7 Wong Chun Ting and Women’s World No. 9 Han Ying among 24 foreign players for Ultimate Table Tennis


~ Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra lead Indian pool for the inaugural edition of India’s first-ever professional table tennis league ~


5th June 2017: Come July, some of the world’s finest table tennis stars will descend on Indian soil for the much-awaited Ultimate Table Tennis – the country’s first ever professional table tennis league which will be held in Chennai, Delhi & Mumbai starting July 13, 2017. 

Among the 24 men and women foreign players are World No. 7 Wong Chun Ting of Hong Kong who was also last year’s bronze medalist in the Men’s World Cup. At the Liebherr 2017 World Table Tennis Championships in Duesseldorf, Germany, Wong Ting reached quarterfinals in men’s singles and won a bronze medal in mixed doubles alongside Doo Hoi Kem who is also a part of UTT. Germany’s Petrissa Solja won a bronze for the host country in mixed doubles alongside Fang Bo from China. The last time a German won a mixed doubles medal was in 1971 making the victory extra special for Petrissa Solja who is ready for her new challenge at UTT. World No. 9 in women’s ranking Han Ying of Germany will be the top billing in the inaugural edition that will begin in Chennai.  

The table tennis extravaganza will comprise six franchisees and will be hosted in Chennai (July 13-20), New Delhi (July 21 to 26) with the final leg being held in Mumbai (July 27 to 30).

India’s Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra will lead the list of 12 men and 12 women from the country out of a strong pool of 48 players. The Indian duo of Manika Batra and Mouma Das created history  at Germany by becoming the first Indian pair to reach the quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championships. Each team will have eight players — four men and four women — with an equal mix of overseas and Indian players, apart from a foreign and an Indian coach.

“These are exciting times for us at the Ultimate Table Tennis as we inch closer to the launch of the first ever professional TT league in India. We have received an overwhelming response from foreign players and have a strong pool of Indian talent also. We are ready to kick off what promises to be one of the most entertaining sporting events,”expressed Vita Dani, Chairperson, 11Even Sports.

Mr. Niraj Bajaj, Co-Promoter of UTT and a three time National Table Tennis Champion, added, “We have a great pool of talent participating in the inaugural season of UTT. Supporting the players are World class Indian and international coaches who have guided national teams to medals in the past. The format provides a great opportunity for Indian players to play alongside top international players which will help their growth tremendously.”

The list of foreign coaches includes former player Elena Timina, currently the coach of Dutch ladies table tennis team, Peter Engel, former Head Coach of Netherlands, Ilija Lupulesku, current National Coach of the Serbian team, Francisco Santos who coached Joao Geraldo of Portugal to a bronze medal in singles and doubles at the European Youth Championships, Belgium national coach for men Ferenc Karsai as well as former Yugoslavia international Vesna OjsterÅ¡ek.   

There will be 15 league matches, with each tie played on a nine individual match basis. Each individual match will consist of three games on a race to 11 with each game winner being awarded one point. Each league match will have 27 points to play for and the four franchisees with highest points in the league stage will advance to the semifinals. The champion will receive 1 crore, runner-up 75 lakh and the losing semifinalists, 50 lakh each. The remaining 25 lakh, from a total purse of 3 crore, will be presented to individual performers.

Each franchisee will get to pick eight players through a draft that will be conducted on June 9, 2017 to ensure balance of strength for each franchisee. 

Overseas players: 
Men: 
1. Wong Chun Ting (Hong Kong, World No. 7), 2. Marcos Freitas (Portugal, World No. 16), 3. Tiago Apolonia (Portugal, World No. 19), 4. Stefan Fegerl (Austria, World No. 21), 5. Kou Lei (Ukraine, World No.24), 6. Panagiotis Gionis (Greece, World No.36), 7. Aruna Quadri (Nigeria, World No. 37), 8. Andrej Gacina (Croatia, World No.38), 9. Par Gerell (Sweden, World No.44), 10. Li Ping (Qatar, World No. 48), 11. Joao Monteiro (Portugal, World No. 49), 12. Liam Pitchford (England, World No. 51)

Women: 
1. Han Ying (Germany, World No.9), 2. Wu Yang (China, World No.12), 3. Doo Hoi Kem (Hong Kong, World No.13), 4. Hu Melek (Turkey, World No.15), 5. Liu Jia (Austria, World No. 17), 6. Petrissa Solja (Germany, World No.20), 7. Lee Ho Ching (Hong Kong, World No. 33), 8. Yu Fu (Portugal, World No.35), 9. Li Qian (Poland, World No. 37), 10. Sabine Winter (Germany, World No.39), 11. Polina Mikhailova (Russia, World No.54), 12. Tetyana Bilenko (Ukraine, World No.56)

Indian players: 
Men: 
1. Sharath Kamal Achanta, 2. Soumyajit Ghosh, 3. Harmeet Desai, 4. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, 5. Amalraj Anthony, 6. Sanil Shetty, 7. Jubin Kumar, 8. Manav Thakkar, 9. Ronit Bhanja, 10. Birdie Boro, 11. Arjun Ghosh, 12. Abhishek Yadav

Women: 
1. Manika Batra, 2. Mouma Das, 3. Madhurika Patkar, 4. Pooja Sahasrabudhe, 5. Suthirtha Mukherjee, 6. Mousumi Paul, 7. Krittwika Sinha Roy, 8. Archana Kamath, 9. Moumita Dutta, 10. Amurtha Pushpak, 11. Priyadarshini Das, 12. Selena Deepti Selvakumar
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Competitiveness, climate, security Finn’s priorities Ministry of Finance release Finnish road map of EU presidency. Finland i...