As BITS Pilani prepares for BOSM 2023, the BOSM English Press interviewed Ramalingam Iyer, the Boys’ Table Tennis team captain, to discuss the team’s preparations and his journey in the sport.

BOSM table tennis matches closely follow international rules. The competition includes both team and individual events. Each team consists of three players. The individual events follow a best-of-five knockout format.

Ramalingam expressed pleasure with his team’s improved coaching and training structure. He shared that the team has been practicing rigorously for around two and a half hours every evening, along with morning fitness sessions. They adhere to this schedule daily, with approximately one day off every ten days. This year, they have split into three teams, namely, A, B, and C, with team A comprising the best players. He also mentioned that the team recruited four players from the batch of 2023. 

Ramalingam reflected on the team’s recent accomplishments, stating that they won bronze in the previous BOSM and gold in InterBITS. Their performance at IIT Bombay’s sports tournament was also commendable, with a fourth-place finish. Ramalingam emphasized their goal to reach at least the semi-finals of this BOSM. He mentioned formidable opponents they faced in the previous edition of BOSM—Shri Ram College of Commerce and Zakir Hussain College—who had players with top-ten national rankings. He said that his team is determined to put up a fierce fight against these colleges should they return for this edition of BOSM.

Talking about his journey in the sport, Ramalingam said that he started playing table tennis leisurely in 2012 and began receiving professional coaching in 2013. In 2014, he represented Thane district and captained the Maharashtra state team in national championships. However, he suffered a leg fracture and resumed playing in college after a lengthy absence.

Ramalingam shared that the college has had a transformative impact on him. As a novice player, he initially struggled but progressively improved his skills through practice and guidance from seniors. His former captain taught him invaluable leadership skills and how to successfully manage the team. In addition, he commended the Sports Council for their responsiveness leading up to the fest.

Ramalingam urged all BITSians to support their team in BOSM 2023, emphasizing the significance of their support and urging everyone to appreciate the fest.