Young Table Tennis prodigy Prisha Goel is just 13-years-old but made the entire nation proud by clinching the Table Tennis U-13 national championship. The youngster caught up with India Today for an exclusive interview to share details of her journey and opened up about how she has been able to divide her time between sports and studies.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
You won the Table Tennis U-13 national championship. Could you please tell us about your journey and how it started?
I started playing Table Tennis right in 2016. After playing for a couple of months, my fellow players started winning and I too wanted to achieve that feat. Thereby, I requested my father to buy one table tennis racket for me as I was unable to win the matches. My dad explained to me the value of winning a medal. Also, seeing my dedication to the game, my coach Nikunj sir motivated me further and always supported and guided me on this ongoing journey.
How do you manage your time between sports and studies?
Studies are equally important to me so I try to go to school 2-3 times a week depending on my tournaments. My parents have always taught me to manage time between studies and training. I train 7-8 hours a day and I give at least 2-3 hours to study. Even my school teachers are very supportive in this case.
What would be your message for your friends and fans who want to pursue Tennis as a career?
Table Tennis is a very interesting sport. It enhances our motor skills, concentration, and focus and also sharpens our brain. I would like to tell my friends to pursue tennis as a career for their all-around development.
What's your next target?
My next target is to maintain my position in the top 4 in all the Nationals Tournaments. I was world rank no. 5 in January 2022, so I would like to maintain my rank in the top 2 in international tournaments. For the first time, I am going to play in U-19 & U-17 National Championships and I hope to do good since I believe I am in great shape and form. Hoping to do good in upcoming tournaments since I am in great shape and form.
Any message you would like to give to your family and coach?
Nothing would have been possible without the support of my parents and coaches. My parents and my elder brother have been a pillar of strength and have always motivated me and kept their trust in me throughout. They’ve always been there for me during all the ups and downs. I would like to say a massive thank you to Team Anshul Garg Academy for always being there for me. I would especially like to say thank you to Anshul Sir and Nikunj Sir for being my guiding light, for encouraging me, and for making me who I am today. Having you both as my coach helps me realise what I need to do to be successful not only in sports but also in life.
