New Delhi: Kamal Sehatu thought the Olympics in Tokyo would be the fourth and last but considering he had never felt better and felt in his career which covered almost two decades, the 39-year-old Indian table tennis reconsidered his future plans now.
Speaking to PTI two days before his departure for the Tokyo match, number 32 the world found himself at the top of his game.
Previously, the aim was to stop after 2022 Asian and Commonwealth games for the young family, but he could not rule out him from the Paris Olympics in 2024.
He said if German number 10 number 10 Timo Boll could play in his 40s, he could also , “According to my wife, this is my last Olympics (laugh), but let’s see how the body survives to CWG and Asian Games next year.
I feel I am at the top of my game physically and mentally,” he said.
Sharath only missed an Olympic match (London 2012) since his debut in Athens in 2004.
Every time he became part of Extravaganza Sporting, he had gained something.
“I remember Athens 2004, I did not know how to prepare at all.
2008 Beijing I slowly understood what was needed at that level and 2016 that I prepared very well but did not get the results, also I came from injury (hip).” This I feel better as a player and my ranking reflects it.
In 2016, my game was at a rate at which I could not play a 16 or quarter-finals at the Olympics.
But now on a good day, I can do that.
“Shahhath ended a decade of old waiting for the ITTF title, before the Covid-19-induced break in March last year, with a victory at Open Muscat.
The title has previously come back on the way in 2010.” I reached 30 in the world ranking in 2019 But in recent years, I felt at the top of my game, beating so many top level players consistently.
In 2010, I played well but I was inconsistent this.
“Wise game, body wise, I’m in the right room.
Now I understand how the mind reacts, how to deal with pressure and anxiety.
Physically, I really work hard to be here,” Shahahh said who felt comfortable with the prospect in Tokyo After the national camp 25 days in Sonify.
Reaching 16 or quarter-finals in Tokyo is a definite possibility, Shahahh said the best opportunity of the Dream Olympic medal remains in double mixed with Manika Batra.
Duo won the Asian qualification event earlier this year but since then, both have not received much time to practice together.
They only spent three days before Manica returned to the training base at Pune.
Manika and Shahahath need to win three matches to win the Olympic medal but it will be a high order for the Asian Games bronze medalist.
“We have to get a four-five-day in Japan together and hopefully we will be fully ready.
We have studied our opponents so far, instead of going straight to the match and find out.” It will be very difficult (even in mixed doubles).
Even the first round will be difficult because we will play the Top-8 team.
“Table tennis contingent cannot travel for training and competition in front of the Olympics due to restrictions related to Covid-19.
Sharath feels not playing in the same environment.
Will be their biggest challenge in Tokyo.” If not because of Covid, we will travel to Somewhere where we can simulate a condition similar to Tokyo, familiar with the hall and table.
“This game becomes faster and faster., Feel Sharath, who is forced to adapt to meet the requirements.” Reflex and the most important hand eye coordination.
If that happens, you are finished.
The next generation is playing faster than before and I come from a generation where you play late balls.
“But I have made the changes needed to follow modern games.
Even now (the last three months) I have to adapt a few things into my game to increase my backhand that will help me complete better with the forehand,” he concluded.
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