Sathiyan comfortable to play the massive brother’s position in Indian desk tennis

There was after all a change of position for Sathiyan ever since Kamal – a five-time Olympian – referred to as time at 42 years on a aggressive profession spanning over 20 years. ‘’Sure, Sharath anna was like an elder brother and now the mantle has handed on to me. I’ve been main my franchise on the UTT for fairly just a few years and all the time prepared with recommendation or share my expertise with youthful members of the nationwide workforce,’’ Saithyan stated.

The UTT, a eight-team city-based franchise league now in it’s sixth version, appears to have been a gamechanger for the game in India. ‘’The league has performed a serious position in taking the game to totally different corners of the nation and it’s now not perceived as a leisure sport solely. It’s been significantly helpful for the youthful gamers as you possibly can’t purchase this sort of expertise,’’ Sathiyan remarked.

How far is desk tennis from changing into a career in India? ‘’There may be nonetheless some approach to go nevertheless it’s honest to say that an ecosystem has developed across the sport with an insane variety of kids now enjoying it, non-public sponsorships and the SAI (Sports activities Authority of India) enjoying a proactive position. If I may flip my ardour into career, why can’t others?’’ he stated.

Now within the dwelling stretch of his profession, did Sathiyan ever fancy plans of relocating overseas like a Sharath Kamal to hone his sport? ‘’No, I’ve been extra of a home-bred participant although I’ve performed in abroad leagues throughout -in Japan in addition to Europe. I’ve carried out quick camps overseas however have been the quintessential Chennai boy,’’ stated the elder statesman of the lads’s sport in India.