Driven by a desire to help others during the pandemic, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Sharath Kamal teamed up to support more than 130 people within the table tennis circle who were hit hard by COVID-19. Through their charity drive, 'Our Chance to Serve,' they successfully raised more than Rs 13 lakhs. The involvement of former player Neha Aggarwal helped scale the project, bringing in a substantial amount of contributions. Although the initial target was Rs 10 lakhs, the surplus funds enabled them to assist at least 130 people. The movement also saw strong backing from UTT co-promoters Vita Dani and Niraj Bajaj, who provided a significant donation. The funds are being distributed among those most in need, including coaches, umpires, and players.
In an interview with PTI, Sharath explained that the initial plan was to assist 100 individuals; however, due to the incredible wave of support, they were able to increase that number by 30. He shared his sincere thanks to all the donors and supporters who made this possible.
UTT has proven to be more than just a league for growing the sport; it has become a pillar of support for everyone involved in the game. Co-promoters Vita Dani and Niraj Bajaj released a joint statement praising the initiative, noting that such acts of kindness are essential during these challenging times. They expressed their hope that their contribution would offer meaningful relief to those facing hardships.
This isn't the first time Sathiyan and Sharath have stepped up, as they previously collaborated to support eight local coaches in Chennai. Reports indicate that each person receiving aid from the current fund will be granted Rs 10,000.
When India entered lockdown in mid-March to curb the spread of COVID-19, the sporting world came to a complete standstill, with all tournaments postponed indefinitely. Even as some restrictions have started to lift, the ban on organized sports remains in place. For those whose livelihoods depend on table tennis, the inability to return to work has been devastating, making this financial support a much-needed relief.