Says Mouma Das about her experience in the 2004 Athens Olympics
Playing in the Olympics is every sportsman’s dream. For me it was, of course, twice eventful since I was the youngest member in the Indian squad and my dream too was coming true. I was too tensed as I was circumspect about what would happen, but my coach Kamlesh Mehta stood by me every moment to boost my confidence.
Me and Sharad Kamal were representing India in table tennis and it was a huge honour for both of us. Sometimes we used to practice together and we were also allowed to choose our practice partners from other countries. I remember having played lots of practice games with the Chinese, Australians, Japanese and the Koreans. Their speed and fitness always reminded me how tough I ought to be to be able to perform at the topmost level. Kamlesh sir was very strict with our training and he would take us for jogging early in the morning. Often we used to bump into the Indian hockey team and together we used to practice.
Every member in the Indian side was doting. Most of the days, I used to have Mahesh Bhupati and Leander Paes as my breakfast partners. They were very jovial and always used to spice me up with their pep talks.
I was 19 then and hence was too shy to speak to all the seniors around me. China’s Wang Nan, who was the women’s world no.1 in 2004, was my idol and I went to watch all her games. I used to look at her with awe and tell myself that I would play like her someday.
The dinner table was another wonder as players from all countries would come and sit together. It used to be fun as often I used to walk around with Sharad and others watching others in the banquet hall. I was sad after missing the opening ceremony as I had a match the next day. A dinner was thrown in honour of the Indian players in the Olympic village and I had to wear a sari. It was exciting!
As told to Bivabasu Kumar
