Indian paddlers may surprise at Beijing

Experts feel Sharath Kamal  could cause a few upsets, writes Malini Banerjee

Despite regular participation in various international championships, there has been a lack of world-beating performances from Indian table tennis players.  Their show at the Olympics, especially, has been a tad better than disappointing.

But of late, many youngsters have been consistently performing well. Among them are Commonwealth Games Champion Achanta Sharath Kamal, Subhajit Saha, Mouma Das and Poulomi Ghatak.

For the Beijing Olympics, India’s hopes would be pinned on Achanta Sharath Kamal and Neha Agarwal, who’ve managed to clinch a berth each at the quadrennial sporting extravaganza. While Sharath is a seasoned campaigner, this being his second outing at the Olympics, Neha is a rank newcomer, who’s surprised one and all with her unexpected qualification.

 The country’s top paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal has set himself a moderate target of reaching the pre-quarterfinals at the Beijing Olympic Games. He  will have to be at the top of his game to advance that far.

National coach, Aleksey Yefremov recently said his ward has it in him to reach the last 16 stage in Beijing but Sharath says it would not be a stroll in the park. “I would give myself a good chance to make it to the last 16. But to put up that kind of performance, I should be in the best of my form to exploit every possible opportunity that comes my way,” Sharath told reporters, from Spain, where he is undergoing a special training programme.

The Indian, who booked his Olympics berth in March this year, exuded confidence on the way he is shaping up and said, “I am very much satisfied with the way my preparation is going on.”

 Former National coach Kamlesh Mehta thinks this has been a breakthrough year for Neha Agarwal. Barely 18 years of age, this young lady has come out of wilderness and proved herself as one of India’s best table tennis talents in recent times. “If she is able to win her opening match, that’ll be an achievement in itself” says Mehta.

Mehta feels India’s focus in this Olympics would be on Sharath Kamal. “He’s our best bet”, he shares, adding “I expect him to reach the quarter finals”. Quiz him about medal hopes and he says, “Who knows? If Sharath plays at his best and luck favors him, then he could well come back with a medal.”

There was a time when India had quality women players. But over the last 10 years, the sport seems to have stagnated. Or so feels Mehta. “While the boys have been doing well on the circuit, the girls are lagging behind. They’re not motivated enough.”

“Women’s table tennis in India has revolved around Mouma and Poulomi for a bit too long now. I hope Neha can set an example for other youngsters to follow.”

 Sepaking to Neha said, “Qualifying for the Olympics is like a dream. I am not under any pressure. This will be a good learning experience for me and in the process if I’m able to win a match then nothing like it.”