While the Indian table tennis team is hoping for medals in the Asian Games, Gujarati player Manush Shah believes that they do not have to wait much longer for this. 25-year-old Manush Shah from Vadodara will compete in 4 events at the Asian Games. These include team events, singles, men’s doubles with Manav Thakkar and mixed doubles with Diya Chitale. His focus will be on these matches.
Man and Man World No. 2 men’s doubles pair
“We came very close to winning a medal in the last Asian Games and beat almost the world No.1 pair. So actually there will be a chance of an upset this time. But now people will try to create an upset with us because- we have reached the top ranked pairs. Pairs ranked lower than us will target us. Manav and I have full confidence in our performance. We have been cheering and appreciating each other’s rallies since the start of the season. In my opinion, the bronze medal we won in Singapore this year was a turning point for us. Rankings also give us a reason to believe in ourselves. However, we will proceed one step at a time without thinking too much about the medal. If we look at one match at a time, it will help us achieve a good result for India.’
This is Manush’s second Asian Games
“I was part of the main team in the 2023 Asian Games and entered the men’s doubles. However- now I am going to compete in 4 categories, team event, singles, with Manav Thakkar in men’s doubles and Diya Chitale in mixed doubles. Due to which my workload will increase more than double. I am doing well globally with Manav and Diya, which will give us a chance to win a medal. At the same time, the challenge will be to manage the workload both physically and mentally. I am constantly in touch with my coach. My mental and physical trainers make sure I don’t get injured, so I can perform at my best.’
The only male player in the Indian contingent to compete in 4 events
“Our team of 5 players is performing well. Medal chances are higher in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. I have given good results with Diya. We have won 2 WTT Contender titles (Moscow and Lagos) and reached the finals in Tunisia. We will be ranked somewhere between 5th and 8th so hopefully a good draw. However, we know that we have to win a medal by defeating one of the world’s top pairs in the Asian Games.’
Workload is very high, insisting on small practice only
‘We try to keep training as short as possible. We strive to leverage quality training. We will make full use of our strengths going into the Asian Games. However – we will not let our weakness be revealed either. We will not allow it to be revealed until our rivals discover it themselves.’
Included in the top 50 singles rankings
‘The players need to face 1-2 upsets before reaching the quarter finals. Then comes the medal match. Players who have good match sense will win the day. So I will keep the medal door open in this matter. However, I know that a medal in singles will not be easy.’