Echuca Table Tennis Association runs competitions for all player levels year-round. Pictured are the 2024 A-grade grand final runners-up Jen Fang and Stephen Hope, and winners Hank Doller and Div Mallya. Photos: Matthew Kappos.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
Echuca-Moama is a thriving community that is only growing. One of the many reasons people love the region is the multitude of groups they can be a part of.
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To help you find the right group, check out our ‘Why not join...’ series each week, where we focus on a community group.
In today’s edition, Emily Donohoe speaks to Echuca Table Tennis Association.
Having a presence in town since the 1980s, table tennis is in good stead in 2025, with a strong vision and sense of community.
A professional table tennis player in her youth, Div Mallya put down the racket when she moved to Melbourne about 15 years ago.
Now the president of Echuca Table Tennis Association, she credits her relocation to the area as the catalyst for returning to the sport in 2023.
“I came here and (thought), ‘oh, I have so much time, I’m sure there’s a club somewhere’,” she said.
“I looked them up on Facebook, contacted them, then I went and joined the club, and I haven’t looked back since.
“I’m actually so glad that I moved to Echuca and I could play it.
“I don’t think I would do it in Melbourne, it’s too busy there. It’s not five minutes away, it’s half-an-hour away.”
Echuca Table Tennis Association president Div Mallya and former Victorian representative player Edwin Cotter.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
The association supports all levels of skill, from former professionals to novices.
Members play in a mixed competition style, providing the opportunity to learn and grow from one another.
“We do pennants that have all-level players playing together,” Ms Mallya said.
“You not only just play at your level, you also get to play a player above you, and you get to train with someone who’s got a little bit more experience.
“You can be at any level, and you’ll have a seat at the table.”
A year-round sport, players meet every Wednesday at Moama Sporting and Children’s Complex, a venue upgrade championed by Ms Mallya.
Since taking on the role as president, she has also seen numbers grow from about 15 to 38 players, and obtained funding from Moama Bowling Club to purchase new table tennis tables.
Looking ahead, there are exciting plans in store for the group, including fostering an interest in the sport for the younger generations.
“The focus is obviously new people, but also try and have some training sessions for kids who want to grow into the game and get better at it,” Ms Mallya said.
Personally, Ms Mallya has honed her own table tennis skills, competing and winning a regional Victorian championship event in 2024, as well as taking on a mentorship role.
“A lot of people at the club come and ask for tips,” she said.
“It’s good to be in a position where I run the club and I know what people are doing, and I know I can play really well to support others.”
In comparison to other sports, Ms Mallya believes table tennis is widely accessible, spending time indoors and requiring less physical exertion.
She has also found Echuca Table Tennis Association to be very welcoming and sociable.
“It’s an amazing community to be in,” she said.
“There are friendships that have been formed which have become really strong.
“If you’re looking for a community that you can come and spend time with, all age groups and (do) some sport at the same time, this is the club for you.”
Potential members can have a free hit to give it a try before committing to the group.
Those interested are encouraged to reach out through the club’s Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/459280847504248 or by contacting Div Mallya on 0468 302 340.
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