TNR News Network
DHARAMSHALA
The District Table Tennis Club, Dharamshala, expressed pride and joy as Shri Rakesh Jassal, retired International Chief Coach of Table Tennis from the Sports Authority of India, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Himachal Pradesh Table Tennis Association in Shimla on March 7, 2026.
The award recognized his 33 years of outstanding service and dedication to the sport. From 1992 to 2025, Shri Jassal played a pivotal role in nurturing talent, guiding over 100 players to state-level representation and more than 60 players to national-level competitions from Kangra district and Himachal Pradesh. Notably, over 10 players trained under him have secured positions in government and private sectors based on their sporting excellence.
On the international stage, Shri Jassal represented India with the Indian Youth Table Tennis Team in Doha, Qatar, in October 2024, where the team won four medals, bringing glory to the nation.
In his acceptance, Shri Jassal expressed gratitude to his wife Mrs. Kusum Jassal, the District Table Tennis Association Kangra, and former Himachal Pradesh Table Tennis Association President Shri Ritesh Chauhan (IAS), dedicating the award to Shri Chauhan for his support.
Throughout his career, Shri Jassal devoted most of his service to Kangra district, providing its players with national-level exposure and giving table tennis a new identity in the region. The District Table Tennis Club, Dharamshala, acknowledged his immense contribution and affirmed its lasting gratitude.
Date: March 9, 2026
(Naresh Pal Guleria)
President, District Kangra Table Tennis Club, Dharamshala & Retired District Youth Services and Sports Officer
