Srinagar, April 16 (IANS): The 20th National Table Tennis Championships for veterans started here Tuesday with participants from 28 states and Union Territories.

State Sports Minister Chowdhary Taj Mohiuddin, who inaugurated the event, said, "Holding such events helps reverse the negative impression created by some outside the state".

The minister said sportspersons were the true ambassadors of every state.

Arshadbhai Khatri, participating in the championship said, "I have participated in 18 out of 20 championships held so far."

"I have also participated in three World Championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998."

Sunil Kumar Gujarat, another participant, said: "It is nice to see children watching people of their grandparents' age play the game here today. This creates an awareness about sports and physical fitness which is very important for our young generations".

Kartik from Hyderabad said, "I am seeing a mini-India in Kashmir today. The people here are so good and hospitable. The weather is so pleasant that I am feeling 40 years younger".

The events organised are for men aged 40 to 70 and women aged 40 to 60.