Arul won over by table tennis

N Arul Selvi has been won over by the game of table-tennis.

N Arul Selvi has been won over by the game of table-tennis. She took to the sport at the age of 11 and the changed roles with the passage of time have failed to prevent her from participating in the sport actively. At 39,the former table tennis international who has also taken up coaching,is in Lucknow to play in the singles event of the table tennis nationals. She and her husband J Selva Kumar who is a former state level player from Tamil Nadu are today happy about the fact that their only daughter Selena Deepthi (12) is winning medals at the national level.

Arul won golds in the team event and mixed doubles event at the South Asian Games in 1994 and a gold at the National Games the same year besides emerging as the inter-institution champion twice in the singles events. She has also represented India in the Asian championships and at the Commonwealth championships.

In a candid chat with The Indian Express,Selvi disclosed, I keep looking for opportunities to remain actively involved in the sport. I represented Tamil Nadu at the nationals for 20 years,however,my best at the nationals has been reaching till the semi-finals. In these nationals I will be representing my employers Indian Bank where I am a manager. I was made coach of the junior India team which went to France and Germany in 2010. The girls won gold,one silver and three bronze in the competition at France. I was also coach of the Indian womens team for the Polish Open. Presently,I am coaching the junior players of Tamil Nadu.

She says that the reason why she has been able to stay actively attached with table-tennis is family support and the support of her employers. My husband who is also employed with Indian Bank at Chennai is very supportive. He has never complained about my busy schedule and like a good father takes good care of our daughter Selena when I am away. Last year,representing Tamil Nadu she won a gold in the team event and a silver in the singles events in the under-12 championships. We just hope that she does India proud sone day.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram