Indian Table Tennis Team Prepares for Paris Olympics in Germany

The Olympic-bound Indian table tennis team is training in Saarbrucken, Germany, backed by a substantial support staff. The unit includes multiple personal coaches, masseurs, and a physio, with preparations focusing on mental and physical fitness. The team aims to excel in both individual and team events at the Paris Olympics.

The Olympic-bound Indian table tennis team is currently training in Saarbrucken, Germany, with the support staff outnumbering the athletes set to compete in Paris. Italy's Massimo Costantini has resumed his role as India's head coach for the third time, with assistance from former player Sourav Chakraborty.

The government has cleared an unusual number of four personal coaches to accompany the squad, allowing each member of the women's team to have their own coach for the Summer Games starting on July 26. The support staff includes two masseurs and a physiotherapist, forming a nine-member team alongside the six-player contingent.

Star women's player Manika Batra, along with Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath, will rely on their personal coaches. In the men's team, India's flag-bearer Sharath Kamal will be supported by Chris Pfeiffer, with Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar completing the men's roster.

Head coach Costantini does not foresee any issues with having multiple coaches, stating that the personal coaches are part of the team mechanism. While only designated team coaches will have field access, personal coaches will support from the stands.

The team is aiming to avoid controversies similar to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Manika Batra accused then-coach Soumyadeep Roy of match-fixing. The team will train in Saarbrucken until July 21 before heading to Paris.

Individual events will precede the team events, with India having secured its first-ever qualification in both categories. The focus is on footwork, stamina, and maintaining mental and physical fitness in a pressure-free environment.

(With inputs from agencies.)