Surat, August 23: India’s star table tennis player and Arjuna Award recipient, Harmit Desai, is gearing up for the Asian Games. He stated that the team’s goal is to perform at their best and secure medals.
In an exclusive interview, Desai shared his thoughts on the upcoming Asian Games, the pressure of international rankings, and the changes in Indian table tennis, particularly regarding the preparations of the Indian men’s team.
Regarding the preparations for the Asian Games, Harmit noted, “The team has a fantastic balance of experience and young talent. Alongside him are players like Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah, G. Sathiyan, and Payas Jain. We have previously defeated some of the top teams in the world. Our aim is to deliver our best performance as a team and bring medals for the country.”
On the pressure of rankings and the changing format of the sport, he said, “The world rankings are updated every week. As a result, players have to participate in about 18 to 20 international tournaments each year, including contenders, feeders, and smashes. This consistency has led Indian players to reach the top tiers of world rankings.”
Harmit added, “The new ‘mixed team’ format for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics presents a significant opportunity for India to win medals. The proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat will completely transform the sports ecosystem in the state and the country.”
He praised the world-class facilities at the Narayanpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, stating that it will enhance enthusiasm and competitiveness among the youth in sports.
Leave a Comment