The BOSM English Press reached out to Archi Jain, the Captain of the Girls’ Table Tennis team, to learn more about the team and their preparations for the fest.

Archi started playing table tennis when she was in the third grade, but switched to cricket after ninth grade. Once she came to college, she decided to take up table tennis once again as BITS does not have a girls’ cricket team.

Archi explained that the only member of the team who had played in the previous BOSM is not on campus for the fest, so the entire team is completely new. In fact, she was recruited into the team towards the end of her third semester. Nevertheless, they have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming tournament. The girls have been practising for two hours every evening, along with an additional slot in the mornings for those who wish to practise serving or other skills. Archi hoped to schedule regular practices in both time slots as BOSM approaches. Because of the online semesters, the players have not had time to familiarise themselves with the new equipment. 

When asked about what her experience as the captain of the team has been like, Archi explained, ‘There is a healthy competition to be the best in the team, but my main motive is to derive the best out of the players rather than forcing myself to be the best one.’ Therefore, her focus has been on getting everyone to practise, observe and analyse their games, so that they can spot their weaknesses and work on them accordingly.

She added that her interactions with the Institute and the CoSSAc have been very smooth so far, and she has not felt any gap in her communications with them.

Archi admitted that, as a dualite, she has a very hectic academic schedule but learning to handle her academics, along with sports and other commitments has been a great lesson in time management.