Manika Batra: I want my coach to be present at every tournament

Manika Batra, India’s most popular paddler, is clear that he wants his personal trainer Sanmay Paranjapen to be on the field at the Doha Asian Table Tennis Championships on September 28-5. October.

The 2018 singles championship at the Commonwealth Games insisted that acquiring a personal trainer would not incur costs for the Indian Table Tennis Federation (TTFI). I think it should happen naturally … TTFI has never sent or paid for a coach or even a physique I have traveled with – not for a team event. In a team event, another coach is fine, but after that we have a duel event where I would like the coach to be present in every tournament, and I think this is for every single athlete, World No. 56 Manika Batra said Sportstar on wednesday.

Excerpts from the interview:

How do you rate your performance at the WTT in Budapest recently?

Reaching the semi-finals was good, given that it was only after the Tokyo Olympics. Last time I entered the Hungarian qualifiers. Of course, I would have liked to make it to the finals as well and it was possible. I needed better mental preparation for it. But still, I have a good semi-final so far. Winning the mixed game championship with Sathiyan was special.

What do you think of Sreeja Akula, who fought against you in the quarterfinals of Budapest?

Sreeja played the Hungarian tournament really well. At this level the competition is always good and he fought just fine. He was there with his coach [Somnath Ghosh] Hyderabad. It was good to compete with him in the quarters.

What do you expect from the Doha Asian TT Championships?

In Asians, I try to give my best. Asia is a special TT continent, so it’s a good outing for all of us, and we’ll do our best and prepare for future bigger events like the Asian Games.

I hope the TTFI is fair and I am hopeful and I hope so [TTFI] take some steps to court. I am and have always been focused on my efforts and the work we need to put to the best of India.

Do you think TTFI allows personal coaches for Asians? If not, do you require a personal trainer?

I think it should happen naturally, like for the Indian Table Tennis Federation (TTFI) at no cost. TTFI has never sent or paid for a coach or even a physique I traveled with. Not for a team event. At the team event, another coach is fine, but after that we have a single event where I would like my coach [Sanmay] to be present in every tournament, and I think this is a basic requirement for every individual athlete. For a duel, anyone who wants to help a player they have trained should be there. It’s the best for the country’s performance.

READ: I know my duty, says national TT coach Soumyadeep Roy Manika Batra in the middle of a controversy

I don’t think things like that even need to be demanded, and every player should get them to top tournaments to give their best. After all, it’s an individual game and not football or hockey. In tennis / badminton, people travel with their coach, with whom they have worked and who know their game. So I really hope there are no problems for anyone.

After the Olympics, do you think the game has improved?

I need to work harder to improve various aspects after the third round in Tokyo. Hungary [WTT Contender Budapest event] the trip was good, but it’s not even 10 percent of what my coach expects of me and what I want (to achieve). I want to work harder and play even better for years to come.

How have the Tokyo Olympics gone for you? Did the controversy affect your performance?

Of course it affected me and it had an effect on the match I played and lost [to Sofia Polcanova in the singles third round]. I have already raised the issue before and after I received it [the show-cause notice from TTFI]. I hope the TTFI is fair and I am hopeful and I hope so [TTFI] take some steps to court. I am and have always been focused on my efforts and the work we need to put to the best of India.

What are your plans and preparations for the 2022 CWG and Asia Games?

The player really needs to work out and work out and play every day. I have to have small plans that lead to bigger plans that lead to these events. I want to work hard, and my training should be at the level of my opponent’s sick level. That is my plan at the moment. And it’s hard, but the challenges are what I love and I’ll be happy to take them on.

READ: Manika, Sathiyan will win the mixed intermediate final

How has coach Sanmay helped to develop your game?

He is genuinely hardworking and sincere and does a lot of work without making a fuss. I want to say that I am lucky to train under him. Although I should have gotten a coach like him much earlier. But better late than never. He never lets me stop and forces me to work harder than ever.

Is a medal possible at the Asian Championships in Doha or at any event?

Before the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, I had never discussed this. On behalf of the country, I always say that we really go there to the finish line on the podium, whatever the event. That is the only thing we live for. So let’s say our goals are set in mind and we prepare for them.

Can India be a force in the women’s series as a whole in the international arena in the future?

Of course it can be. I am very hopeful about that. We work for it and see it happen. Support us.

How do you see the progress of the Indian women’s team over the next couple of years?

Overall, the level has improved as now even girls are working hard with their coaches in India or traveling abroad for training. It is said that I am ready to be a part of growth and we hope that our team is doing well. It helps the people in every way. It’s Motivating for me too.