Sathiyan sets sights on CWG, Olympics

2008 has been a watershed year for Sathiyan. The Tamil Nadu paddler, who turns 16 next month, has won medals galore at both national and international stages, including the biggest achievement of his career thus far in the form of two gold medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune in October.

“That was by far the biggest win of my career. I won the singles gold, beating my good friend Soumyajeet Ghosh and then paired with him to win the doubles gold,” Sathiyan, who is here in the Capital to participate in the National Ranking Table Tennis Tournament (North Zone), told Sportline.

“Not only did it come on such a big stage, but it was huge because I beat junior world No 12 Shen of Canada in the semi-final. It gave me immense confidence and self-belief.”

Ever since, he’s also graduated to the big stage, winning the men’s title — as well as junior — at the east zone National Ranking event. Recently he won a gold at the Fajirs International Junior Open in Iran.

Although he doesn’t pack much power in his frail frame, Sathiyan has an impressive all-round game that holds him in good stead. India’s head coach Aleksey Yefremov of Belarus, who has been observing him for some time, is impressed and rates him as an exciting prospect.

“From what I have seen of him lately, I have been very impressed. His focus is unwavering and, although there’s not much power in his shots, his game is pretty controlled,” he said.

Bur talk of focus, and the young paddler has set his sights firmly on the 2012 Olympics. “I am satisfied with how my career has been shaping up so far. But the real test will be 2010 Commonwealth Games. Of course, London Olympics is my destiny and I want to be there — not to participate but to win,” he signed off.

Easy win

Meanwhile, Sathiyan stamped his authority again, winning the junior (under 17) boys title at National Ranking Table Tennis tournament.

In an all Tamil Nadu final, Sathiyan defeated R Venkatraman 4-1 (11-7, 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 13-11).