Determination
/ dɪˌtəːmɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
A fixed purpose,
The power and will to persist,
Resolve, to have the drive,
To brave the grit, to go the distance,
To be hell-bent on reaching a goal,
And getting it done no matter what.
This is how the defending champions from the past two years define their pole strength.
With the rhythmic sound of the balls hitting the wood, the table tennis room is buzzing with activity as the team gears up for BOSM. With an eye on the gold yet again, former captain, Akhilesh Sudhakar proudly exhorts that this year’s team is one of the finest when compared to the previous three years. He also mentions that refining of footwork and increase in stamina during practice, along with presence of mind of the players, is vital for success in the game.
As the players rigorously practice, we catch up with the team coach, Mr. Nirmal Kishore, who has had 14 years of experience in the sport. He explains that analyzing and rectifying errors in previous games has become a part of preparation. “Anticipating opponent strategies, polishing reflexes, proper fitness regime and also focusing on team bonding, even in such an individualistic sport, is important.” Since individual players compete as a single unit for the top spot in BOSM, team bonding is highly encouraged. In such quick-decision sports, it’s very important for the entire team to be on the same page.
Often an undermined sport in our country, Neel Joshi, by far the most accomplished player on the team, feels that there are a lot of misconceptions about table tennis, one being that it does not require immense strength or intensive movement. Refuting such myths, he says that table tennis needs sufficient amount of physical and mental prowess.
In the past few years, the competition has intensified. Having had highly experienced and acclaimed contingents coming in from Sri Lanka, Delhi and Jodhpur, Captain Abhinav Jain somberly states that both, the pressure and stakes, are high. “This BOSM poses a bigger challenge to us but, we won’t back down without a fight.”
On a lighter note, when asked about what they would like their team to be called, the former captain aptly shouts out, ‘Ball Crushers!’ The team hopes that they are at the receiving end of the BITSian community’s zealous support as it would give them a huge morale boost. They look forward to more people coming in to watch the matches and root for them!