‘TTFI doing fabulous job in promoting game’
*Ace Indian paddler terms Jammu as paradise
Rajesh Dhar
JAMMU, Dec 4: Anusha Kutumbale is an ace Indian paddler from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, who is representing Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) in the ongoing prestigious 81st UTT Junior and Youth Nationals, being organised by the Table Tennis Federation of Indian (TTFI) in association with Jammu and Kashmir Table Tennis Association at new Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium in Jammu. The 17-year old Table Tennis player has the honour of having All India rank-1 in Junior, rank-3 in Youth and rank-6 in Women’s category, besides having the distinction of being Cadet South Asian Champion.
In an exclusive freewheeling chat with Excelsior on the sidelines of the Table Tennis Nationals in Jammu, Anusha threw light on the role of TTFI in promoting this game, besides talking about Table Tennis scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, the beauty of the City of Temples and the people of Jammu.
Commenting on the facilities provided by the organisers in the ongoing Nationals, Anusha said that the facilities are fantastic as the food being provided is delicious, hygienic and balanced; the boarding and lodging facilities are up to the mark and the facilities at the venue are utterly, utterly superb, adding that Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) is doing a fabulous job in promoting the game in every nook and corner of the country.
To a question as to how she sees the talent of Jammu and Kashmir paddlers, Anusha said that the talent is there but the need is to explore it and hone it, adding that J&K’s participation in mega Table Tennis events at the National scene was hardly a custom earlier, but now J&K has a big number of players representing it at the bigger circuit.
“The tournaments like 81st UTT Junior and Youth Nationals will serve as a launching pad in improving the standard of Table Tennis in Jammu and Kashmir. J&K players can take a leaf from my book as I am the only ranked Table Tennis player from Madhya Pradesh as it was always an uphill task to excel in absence of good players around you, because Table tennis was hardly a priority game in my State. But self-belief helped me to achieve goals. My father and coach Shreesh Kudumbale served like a beacon-light to guide and goad me even in adverse situations to climb the ladders of success. Likewise, self esteem is success mantra for J&K players to flourish. With sheer-dint of hard work and dedication, you can make it to any level,” said Anusha.
Commenting on the City of Temples, Anusha termed Jammu and Kashmir as the paradise on earth. She said, so far we have heard that Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in the world, however, now I get a feeling that it is not Kashmir only but Jammu too, not because of its climate, scenery and the street sense but because of the hospitality, sincerity and cooperation of the people.
“The people in Jammu are candid, cooperative and have innate decency,” said Anusha.
Moreover, there is no panic in Jammu and the City is so extremely safe, calm and peaceful.
To a question as to how she makes balance between sports and studies, the 12th standard student said that she has a firm belief that if she does well in sports, it will certainly help her to focus more in studies, adding that sports serve for delight, for ornament and for agility. “Healthy body always possesses a healthy mind.”
On a question as to what more is needed to promote sports and games, Anusha said that apart from holding more and more mega sports events, Media and Corporate Houses have a bigger role to play for enhancing the standard of sports and games.
Kutumbale termed PV Sindhu and Rodger Federer as her favourite sportspersons.
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