Former India table tennis coach Peter Engel may have had an unceremonious exit after India struggled on the table during his tenure. He spent just over a year with the team before bidding adieu after Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. The German, however, left long lasting impression on India's number two women's paddler Mouma Das.
The winner of 11 bronze and one silver in two Commonwealth Games and five Commonwealth TT Championships, had almost given up on her game after turning 30. However, it was Engel's words that inspired her to get back to the sport with renewed vigour and go on to win national championship in 2014 after a gap of seven years.
"Nothing was going right for me in 2013. My best finish in national was only quarterfinal. Zonals were even poorer. I was a totally confused player," said Mouma, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Table Tennis championship that began here on Wednesday.
"But at that juncture Peter Engel entered like an angel. He motivated me. His advice that 30 is not too old in table tennis, was as good as a masterstroke. That was the turning point," recalled the 31-year-old paddler, who is part of the Indian women's team.
Inspired by his words, Mouma worked on her fitness, reducing her weight from 55 to 46 kilos. She improved her her stance and soon, was able to reconnect with her game.
This was evident when Mouma won 2014 National championship, first after 2007.
"Till then, skills and technique were my only priority. But Engel made me realise how fitness can do wonders. Reducing nine kilos helped me sharpen my movements.
"I realised my game is not over. I changed my stance, too. Earlier, I used to stand near the corner and gradually go deeper leaving the table open. I was able to move swiftly across the sides. But not any more," she said, adding, "Then I won national gold after seven long years. I guess that speaks volumes. Now I am able to beat Paolomi (Ghatak) and K Shamini as well."
With top paddlers from Australia and Canada opting out, India stand their best chance to win gold in diamond city, Surat. Leaving no stone unturned India team underwent rigorous camp at Gandhinagar. India coach Korean Song emphasised on fitness.
Mauma said, "The team has worked hard this time. Practice hours were extended as coach believes stamina is paramount and so focus was on speed. We are confident now of winning gold, in team and individual events as well," she said.
Mauma said she is "very satisfied" with her performance till date, though she wants to add a glittering gold to her career. She has been semi finalist many times.
"Yes I have quite a few bronze medals from big competitions in my kitty but a gold medal eludes me. Wish I could add it here only," said Mauma.
Know Mauma
Since 2001, Mauma has won 11 bronze and one silver in two Commonwealth Games and five Commonwealth TT Championships
Won 2014 women's national championship after gap of seven years
Awarded Arjuna Award in 2013
Side lights
Devesh Karia is on cloud nine. And why not? The India No4 was a last moment replacement to A Sharath Kamal, who opted out due to injury. This allowed Devesh to make it to the India team for the first time. "This is my first tournament with India team. though I feel sorry for Kamal, but I am thankful to my stars. I was a part of the junior India team but never part of senior," he said. Devesh won his first 'debut' match but had butterflies in his stomach. "I was little nervous, as it was first time with team and that too in front of the home crowd," said Devesh, who is with Income Tax Bhavnagar.
Flag it right
New Zealand is in the process of changing its national flag and this gave organisers a few anxious moments here at the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay indoor stadium. The Island nation's flag here at the venue wasn't correct. It was the one that New Zealand rejected — Kylie Lockwood designed Silver Fern with red blue and white colours. The organisers referred internet before placing it at the venue. New Zealand delegation informed organisers and flag was removed immediately. Back in their country, the New Zealnders have been asked to choose designs for their national flag in referendum.
