From leaving home at the tender age of 11 to achieving world ranking of 63 recently, his best ever yet, Surat’s prolific paddler Manav Thakkar has indeed come a long way. It has taken a year and half painstaking planning from this 23-year-old paddler to make him a contender for the Indian team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Son of Surat-based ophthalmologist Dr Vikas Thakkar, Manav took time off his busy schedule in France to throw light upon various topics pertaining to his life and table tennis.
Excerpts:
Q: Thinking about Paris 2024 after the Indian team qualification?
A: We created history by making the cut for the Paris Olympics in team event and we all are proud of our efforts. I meticulously planned my year and half year keeping Paris qualifications in mind. Even though me and Archana Kamath are doing well in mixed doubles, my best chance is in the team and singles’ events. I have achieved a world ranking of 63, my best so far. My eyes are firmly set at the Paris Olympics and I shall continue to strive for excellence to get the ticket.
Q Tournaments you will play to boost your chances for Oly qualification?
A I recently played in the Czech Republic then I will continue to train in France and then head to Saudi Arabia for Saudi Smash for one last push at my world rankings.
Q You have had an excellent last 6-8 months. Tell us about your purple patch
A: After 2019, I failed to win a single tournament. In 2023 Feb, I dropped out of the top five in India. I put my head down and went through the grind for two months in Germany. As a result, I managed to win three national ranking tournaments (Hyderabad in June, Trivandrum in Oct and Vijaywada in Nov) and ended the year as India no. 2. I carried the confidence in the Asian Table Tennis Championship held in September in South Korea where I pulled off a memorable 3-1 win over World No. 33 Kao Cheng-Jui of Taiwan to enter the men’s singles pre-quarterfinals.
I also beat my mentor Sharath Kamal in October at the Doha WTT Feeder and in the Trivandrum nationals. Entering the semi-final of the WTT Feeder in the USA and final of the WTT Feeder in Beirut, Lebanon was a firm validation of my grit and hard work.
Q The one thing that has changed in your game in recent times?
A: Over the years, playing against the world”s best paddlers has helped me improve my game maturity. I have become cleverer and sharper in the matches. I take calculated risks which have given me positive results.
Q You barely spend a few weeks at your home in Surat in a year? How do you and your family cope with you living away?
A: It’s hard. I was just 11 when I left home. I miss my family and home food. But both me and my family have kept emotions aside. After Paris qualifications, my aim is to stay closer to my family and spend more time at home.
Q The importance of Surat’s Sufaiz Academy in your life?
A: Sufaiz Academy may be just one room in the basement of a building but my foundation was laid there. When I started, I used to practice with top state players in different categories and from them I got a vision. What I learnt from my first coach Vahed Malubhaiwala is still in my game. I remain in touch with sir and I wish him well.
Q One thing you like to do when you get free time (which is very rare)
A: I travel for games all around the world. But I like to explore different countries from a leisure aspect too. I am keen on watching web series and movies while on the move.
Q Your message to upcoming Gujarat paddlers?
A. They need to work hard and be smart. Invest time and be patient and success will come their way. Trust me, nothing happens overnight. Give time to the sport and never give up.
Q Any plans to pursue further studies?
A: Both my parents are doctors (father ophthalmologist and mother Ayurveda doc). Because of my passion for TT, I gave up on my medical dreams long back. Right now, I am pursuing BA (Psychology and English) and am in my last year. I just want to finish my graduation and focus on table tennis single-mindedly.
Q Tell us about your diet and fitness regime?
A: I used to be a pure vegetarian but many Asian countries have very few vegetarian options. I am now an eggetarian and cook omelette. I have started eating chicken too though it’s my first and last option in non-veg food.
I am currently working with Sports Dynamics gym and a fitness trainer travels with me. Needless to say, my workouts are better planned and I have become more disciplined which has helped me in my performances.
