Indian Table Tennis Coach Massimo Costantini Confident for Paris Olympics
Indian table tennis coach Massimo Costantini is optimistic about India’s chances at the Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11. India has qualified for both men’s and women’s team events for the first time in Olympic history. Costantini, who has led India to multiple medals in past competitions, believes the team can surprise top contenders.
Costantini, in his third stint with the Indian national team, has witnessed the rise of Indian table tennis since 2009. Under his guidance, India won eight medals, including three gold, at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and two bronze at the 2018 Asian Games.
He noted that qualifying for the team events is a significant achievement, as only 16 teams worldwide get to compete. Costantini mentioned that even strong teams like China are wary of facing India early in the competition. The Indian women’s team recently pushed China to the brink at the World Team Table Tennis Championships in Busan, with Ayhika Mukherjee and Sreeja Akula upsetting top-ranked players.
Sreeja Akula has become the first Indian singles player to win a WTT Contender title in Lagos, while players like Manika Batra and Achanta Sharath are also in top form. Costantini credited the Ultimate Table Tennis league for providing Indian players with valuable experience and knowledge.
Regarding the team’s preparation for the Paris Olympics, Costantini is assessing the players’ levels and working on doubles combinations. The aim is to achieve good results in upcoming WTT events to improve rankings and avoid top teams before the quarter-finals. The Indian men’s team is currently ranked 14th, and the women’s team is ranked 11th globally.
Costantini emphasized that knowing their opponents in advance will help the team prepare better and bridge the gap with top teams. Indian table tennis fans hope the team will create history in Paris. After the Olympics, fans can look forward to the Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 in Chennai from August 22 to September 7.
