Monalisa Barua Mehta supports Kiren Rijiju on Olympics medal hope

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Supporting the comments of Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, Arjuna Awardee table tennis player Monalisa Barua Mehta said that Indian paddlers are capable to bring medals from 2028 Olympics. Showing her optimism Monalisa feels that table tennis in India is in right direction and needs just a break like badminton.

Rijuju recently said that the table tennis is one of the games which have bright chance to bring medal from 2028 Olympics. He also announced to provide full support towards this game by creating new infrastructure at the district and state level.

Praising high to Union Minister for his assessment on table tennis Monalisa said, "Table Tennis is now a sport in India which has very bright future. We have quality players in both senior and junior categories and also have quality coaches. So game is now on right track."

She also beliefs that the game has the potentiality to give medal to India in 2028 Olympics. "Right now there is no dearth of good players in India. At present we have several players who are ranked below 50 in the international ranking and many of them started to beat top ranked players in the international competitions. The scenario is very good in the junior category also where the number of talented player is very high. It's a good sign. It will strengthen our back up line. I am very much optimistic," said the former national champion.

Commenting on the roadmap for 2028 Olympics, which is scheduled to be held in Los Angeles, the former paddler said, "Next four years would be very crucial for us if we want to win medal from 2028 Olympics. We need good planning on coaching of players, their fitness, nutrition, monitoring of their performance etc. If it happens in proper way medal from Olympics would be just a matter of time. Our Sports Minister identifies the game as one of the medal prospect in 2028 Olympics and he has definitely some plans in his mind. I belief we have good days ahead."

Meanwhile lockdown has forced the players to stay away from proper training for a very long period. But Monalisa feels it won't make any negative impact on them when they would start to return into the court.

"Current players are very conscious on their fitness and they are in constant touch with the experts. I have got several calls from the players including Monika Batra and they just want to know how they can keep in touch with the games during the lockdown. I feel the players would return into the stadium with a lot of energy once the lockdown is over and daily activities begin." said Monalisa. 

Also Read: A guide to women's health after 40