That winning feeling

“I was very tired while I played my singles quarters against Sourav. I had already played two tough matches in the morning in the double’s category,so I was not up to the mark and didn’t expect that the match would get stretched till the decider. I am happy that I won and now looking to win the semis and face once again with Sharath Kamal in the finals — hopefully,” a weary looking Amalraj told the Sportline.

But on being asked whether his lively body language suffered due to his tiring schedule,Amalraj dismissed it immediately. “It was just that I wasn’t satisfied with the performance. On the other hand excitement is one thing that I just can’t hide. Whether I lose or win,I have to express it. Probably I didn’t today but this is how I have been playing. People ask me why did I climb the table and I say when the same people don’t have a problem with players throwing racquets and lying down on the turf then why should I not celebrate climbing the table.

And I wasn’t fined for standing atop the table but for banging my racquet with excitement. Everyone has some gesture that boosts confidence,and celebrating is mine,” he added.

London dreams

Having said that,his positive attitude reflects his desire to represent the country in London Olympics later this year. With India getting a solitary quota in singles category only,Amalraj is hopeful of breaking into the team which will consist two paddlers from either category. “Beating Kamal is obviously a huge confidence booster. Earlier I used to come really close to him and yet could not make it but now I feel I can represent the country alongside him. But still it isn’t sure who would finally fly to London as the final decision would come out after we finish our Asian and World Table Tennis Championships scheduled to take place in March. Until then I am keen to play all the tournaments which feature competitive players as it would only help in making ourselves better and prepared for the big challenge,” Amalraj said.