Easy opening outing for Utkarsh

But for city boy Utkarsh Gupta,India’s second ranked player in sub-junior category who has played and won tournaments at places like Mitchigan and Hong Kong,the high decibel excitement among the first timers on the sidelines was a bit distracting. Playing against a lesser-ranked player,the result of Utkarsh’s match was never in doubt but it remained to be seen if Utkarsh could focus on the game.

As Utkarsh won the first round in straight sets against Manas Ghosh in 10 minutes it was clear that there was a matured head on young shoulders. “I have come here after playing the CBSE nationals. There the hall was smaller so it took me a couple of points to get used to the big arena,” Utkarsh said about his initial struggles.

After losing a few quick points,Utkarsh pumped himself. The aggression that Utkarsh showed during the game is something that has been passed on to him from his father Sandeep,who also happens to be his coach. Utkarsh’s first memory of playing table tennis was of his father making him sit on top of the table and play shots.

Also ranked 5th in the under-17 category,the year has been eventful for the teenager. He won the US Open title in the U-13 category,and followed it up with the South Asian Junior Championship victory in June. He carried his form to the second half of the season as well as he won the All India CBSE National Championships. But despite his undisputed domination in his category,Utkarsh doesn’t take it easy. After winning his match today,instead of relaxing,he went back to the playing arena to have a look at his second round opponent. “Table tennis is as much about the mind,as about speed and physical strength,” Utkarsh says looking on at his next round’s opponent. While father Sandeep suggests that his son still needs to work on his mental and physical fitness.