CHENNAI: It’s no secret that Manav Thakkar has been on a roll domestically since last year. Even the youth and junior national singles titles the paddler won in Vadodara on Wednesday were icing on the cake. The bespectacled 16-year-old finished with an impressive six-of-six (North, Central, West, South and East Zone) junior crowns and four-of-six (North, Central and East Zone) youth trophies.
But unlike those youngsters who fall by the wayside when they mature, he’s taking positive steps by not much of a pushover in the senior rankings either. Currently placed fourth, his eyes are predictably set on making a mark in that category, closely followed by being drafted into the national team.
Considering he’s part of the stellar PSPB (A) stable, anything less would be an underachievement.
“I’ve had quite a year, but now’s not the time to rest on laurels. I need to keep improving and do well at the senior nationals from January 31. That’s the next immediate step and, eventually, should lead to great things in the future. Defending my titles will also be an important focus going into the new season. I’m still only 16,” Thakkar told Express.
His opponent in the youth final and teammate, the much-touted Abhishek Yadav, only had words of praise for the champion. “He’s intelligent on the table and can rectify mistakes on the spot. That’s not easy to do. It goes without saying that he has the potential to perform at a high level in India and overseas,” Yadav opined.
However, unlike many of the national players he hopes to emulate and surpass one day, he’s not an all-out attacking player. But one can’t box him with the defensive types either.
At least that’s what he feels. “Since I’m not overly offensive, the word I prefer to use is consistent. But that doesn’t mean I defend all day.
I pick my moments to attack, but my strength is keeping the ball deep. Plus, I’m very fit — the longer the match goes, I feel confident in my ability,” Thakkar, who won the India Open (junior) title last September, added.
When asked who he owes his success to, Thakkar barely skips a beat before naming Yan Wei — PSPB’s Chinese coach — as the prime enforcer. “Well, the Chinese are the best in table tennis for a reason. It’s his (Wei’s) method of teaching and practice that has made PSPB into the force it is today. The other coaches also play a big hand in making me better every day,” he signed off.
rohan@newindianexpress.com