India is moving in Table Tennis: Arjuna awardee Monalisa Barua Mehta

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Arjuna awardee TT player Monalisa Barua Mehta, in a conversation with The Sentinel, said that the players of Assam have potential of the game and they just need a little support to break the jinx. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel(TS): You are still actively involved with the game. Where the energy comes from?

Monalisa: (With laugh) actually I love the game very much, and I will remain attached with it so long my body permits.

TS: You regularly visit different national level competitions. How do you see the current lot of Indian players in the game?

Monalisa: Very nice! We have really developed a lot in this game in the recent past. Players are now more focused and they try to utilize the modern facilities to improve their skill. In the senior level we now have several good players, and I strongly believe that in the coming days our country will move forward in the international arena.

TS: Assam was once the power house of the game, but now it is a pale shadow of its former self. Does it not hurt you?

Monalisa: Yes. When I sit and start to think it really hurts me. Once our state produced plenty of paddlers at the national level, but it is not happening now, and that too, for a long period. I feel the time has come to think on the mater seriously and take some concrete steps.

TS: Any idea about the current players of Assam?

Monalisa Barua Mehta: Yes. Honestly speaking, they don’t lag far behind other players of the country. What they need is a little quality training. There are several good academies in the country, and if the players want they can easily join there during their school-break to hone their skill.

TS: Do you have any plan to start an academy in Assam?

Monalisa: I am very much interested, but I need support from different quarters because I alone can’t do it. If I get necessary infrastructure and support I assure you that I will make it one of the best TT academies in the country.

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