Table Tennis Coach with Resilience
Every match is a life in miniature, unless you win the tournament, you always go home as a loser.
But returning to practice with a renewed spirit and determination is the essence of resilience, paving the way for future triumphs.
Determination for Consistent Practice
In conversation with a youthful table tennis coach, who is just 21 years old, in our office, I acquired a deeper understanding of the significance of consistent practice and unwavering determination.
His dedication is evident in his daily routine: conducting tennis coaching sessions both in the early mornings and evenings, while also fulfilling his duties at the office throughout the day.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Despite grappling with personal challenges such as the loss of his father and his mother’s employment abroad in Malaysia, he admirably shoulders the responsibility of caring for his younger sister alongside his other commitments, all while maintaining his passion for the game.
Financial Constraints and Proactive Learning
His resolve surpasses financial limitations, driven by a true passion for the game and an unyielding commitment to his objectives.
Limited to just two years of formal training in his youth due to financial constraints, he enhanced his skills by observing his seniors in the tennis hall.
Achievements and Accolades
Embracing a proactive learning approach, he engaged in numerous National and State-Level competitions, securing victory in several.
C.B.S.E National 2019 Bronze medalist in under 19 category.
Inter-University North Zone Bronze medalist Men category.
Silver Medalist in youth boys under 21 in 2020.
Inter College Gold winner 2022.
Teaching and Future Aspirations
Following several accolades, he embarked on teaching students, driven by aspirations of eventual triumph despite not yet reaching the pinnacle.
With a dual ambition of saving money from his job and coaching to fund his tournaments, he remains resolute in his pursuit of reaching the summit.
A Motto for Life and Tennis
His motto, “Hustle till your nose bleeds,” extends beyond the tennis court to life itself. Play each point like your life depends on it.
He advises his students to disregard negativity and remain composed even under immense pressure during matches.
Instead of panicking, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm and collected attitude, suggesting a brief towel break and a few cycles of deep breathing to regain focus.
Tennis is mostly mental. You win or lose the match before you even go out there, says Venus Williams.
Adapting to Evolving Equipment
He stresses the importance of adjusting strategies to match evolving equipment. Tennis, recognized as one of the most demanding sports, has undergone significant changes over time.
A notable example is the transition from celluloid to plastic tennis balls.
This shift highlights the necessity for players to modify their approaches, shifting focus from spin and moderate bounce to prioritizing speed and reducing spin when utilizing plastic balls.