With the highly anticipated BOSM 2025 fast approaching, the BOSM English Press sat down for a chat with Aaditya Joshi, the Captain of the boys’ table tennis team, regarding their preparations for the upcoming fest.

Aditya explained that in this BOSM, they would compete in teams of four, and each round would consist of five singles matches. Each team would have three players and one substitute.

Aaditya further revealed that they were practising every evening during the weeks leading up to BOSM. These practice sessions consisted of ten to fifteen minutes of warm-up drills, which included running, step-overs, and basic shadow practice for their strokes. They then practised all the different kinds of shots and positions they might encounter during the matches. According to him, they had tailored the regimen to focus on each player’s unique strengths and weaknesses.

When asked about their rival teams, Aaditya said that the list of participating colleges had not yet been released. However, based on the previous years, a few IITs were likely to come, although he did not think they presented much of a challenge. He said that they would be more wary of the ‘sports quota teams’ from the Delhi University, who had bested them in the finals in the past two years.

Aaditya also stated that they did not face any problems this year other than getting the players to practice every day. He said that they had no issues regarding inventory, and their coach was the best he had seen in the last three years. He revealed that this year, they had not recruited any new players, despite 150 applying and about fifteen being shortlisted. Aaditya explained that they were unable to sort through the shortlisted candidates and hence instructed them to come to practice regularly and apply again next semester. 

Aaditya stated that the consistency, reflexes, and training required drew him towards playing table tennis. He mentioned that his father also played the sport and ultimately introduced him to it.  As a Captain, he said that he had acquired a sort of ‘dad strength’ that let him set an example for the rest of his team. 

As the interview drew to a close, Aaditya encouraged everyone to explore the sport, either in SAC or in their hostel common rooms. He said that anyone was free to approach the team in case they wanted to play with them. Above all, he said, people should enjoy themselves since that is what matters most in any sport.