In the late 2000s, covering local sporting events was a rite of passage for budding journalists. While seasoned reporters tackled weightier subjects, newcomers wandered through grassroots sports, gradually finding their voice. Among these, table tennis dominated their schedules, sending them zipping across Bengaluru—Malleswaram to Indiranagar, Jayanagar to Kanteerava—tracking fierce rallies in sweat-drenched, echoing halls.

Back then, the sport was alive with energy. The rhythmic bounce of plastic balls, the sharp thuds of paddle strikes, and the triumphant cries of “CHO!” defined the atmosphere. Faces turned familiar, and the game’s distinct sounds became ingrained in every report. Today, the echoes have faded. Karnataka, once a powerhouse in Indian table tennis, has lost its grip. Tournaments have dwindled, and the Karnataka Table Tennis Association (KTTA) seems resigned to the decline. Secretary K.R. Manjunath admits to confusion, stating, “We don’t know why the sport is struggling.”

Veteran coach Bona Thomas attributes the downturn to a lack of incentives. Unlike Tamil Nadu or Maharashtra, Karnataka offers no recruitment opportunities, forcing young talents to quit. Many shift to coaching by their late 20s, seeking financial stability. Former national champion Vasanth Bharadwaj demands structural reform, calling for mass talent identification, better training, and more engaging formats.

Table tennis still holds untapped potential. With strategic revival efforts, its legacy in Karnataka can be rekindled.