Sharath aims to retain C’wealth Games gold

In an exclusive chat with The Indian Express,Sharath,who claimed a gold in men’s singles event in the 2006 Commonwealth Games held at Melbourne,confided,“ I have been sweating it out hard for the past three years for the Commonwealth Games 2010. I practise for nearly eight hours daily. We did well in the last edition of Commonwealth Games with the men’s team claiming a gold and I winning the men’s singles gold also. The Indian women too got a bronze in the event. We hope to put up a good show again. Claiming golds on home turf is something different altogether!”

Talking about the reason for the Chinese domination in the sport of table-tennis,the Arjuna awardee said,“ Table tennis is a part of the ‘Chinese tradition’ whereas sports is regarded as a co-curricular activity in India. Though we are growing as a sporting nation but be it the parents or the teachers,everybody is more concerned about your academic record here. This approach cannot change overnight.”

Sharad informed that this was his second trip to Lucknow. Last time he had come here in the year 2000 for playing in the 61st National Championship. “Due to my busy schedule,I could not explore the city much then but this time,I intend to visit different places and enjoy the much talked about Tunde kebabs also.”

‘A psychologist could do wonders’
Foreign coach of the Indian team Massimo Costantini who hails from Italy is full of praise for the table-tennis talent in India. He believes that the Indians do not lack in the technical aspect and physical fitness is also something which can be achieved easily,the only thing required is mental toughness.

Massimo who represented the Italian team for 23 years— from 1973 to 1996 and has also been head coach of the Italy team from 2002 to 2005 said,“ I have played against Indian players in international meets. I appreciate the talent here. At present India is ranked 30th in the men’s section and 35th in the women’s section. If there is mental preparation among the players before big tourneys,then things could improve drastically. A psychologist could do wonders for the team. Plans are in the pipeline,and I am hopeful that the players will have a good psychologist soon.”

Regarding his understanding with the players so far,he explained “ I came to India in February this year. I have a very good understanding with the coaches and the players here. Till now,I was concentrating more on establishing a good rapport with the players. Now I looking forward to the training aspect with the domestic circuit starting January 2010 and then of course the Commonwealth Ga-mes.”