Khoi Khoi Marma and Mohutasin Ahmed Ridoy captured the women’s and men’s singles titles respectively at the Federation Cup Table Tennis Tournament, held yesterday at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka.
Although the gallery was quiet, the intensity on the tables was undeniable as Khoi Khoi overcame experienced national player Sonom Sultana Soma in a thrilling five-set final. The promising youngster won 3-2 (11-4, 9-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7) to claim her first Federation Cup singles crown.
“It was a tough fight against Soma apu, but I gained confidence after beating number one Mou in the semifinals,” said Khoi Khoi, who had also defeated Soma earlier in the women’s team event. Despite her third title in four tournaments, she remained grounded, saying, “I have yet to reach the level of Soma apu and Mou. I have followed them since childhood.”
In contrast, the men’s final proved straightforward as former national champion Ridoy outclassed reigning champion Ramhim Lian Bawm 3-0 (11-6, 11-8, 11-3). “I am a bit more serious now compared to the past because I am trying to hold the position I gained before,” Ridoy said. “Ramhim is a really good player but he looked tired in the final and could not continue his semifinal form, which made it easier for me.”
Both Khoi Khoi and Ridoy will now turn their attention to the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, which begin on 7 November. The Bangladesh team is set to depart on 5 November. The Federation Cup, returning after a four-year gap, served as valuable preparation for the international event.
“A number of strong teams will compete at the Games, and we will try to achieve better results than the last edition, where we reached the quarterfinals,” Ridoy said, adding that the team’s goal is to secure a medal in any category — team, doubles, singles or mixed doubles.
Khoi Khoi shared his optimism, saying her Federation Cup victory had boosted her confidence ahead of her first appearance at the Games. Soma echoed the sentiment, noting that the competitive matches in Dhaka had strengthened the entire squad’s determination to bring home a medal for Bangladesh.
