Surat: Manav, who is preparing for the 36th National Games, remembers his beginning from a small room in the basement

When Manav Thakkar of Gujarat first grabbed a table tennis racket in 2005, he was barely six years old and not even as tall as the table. Nevertheless, he enrolled at the Surat-based Sufaiz Academy, which was then a small cellar. Without being distracted by the taunts, Manav quickly mastered the game. He was talented and determined, so he was ready for a fascinating journey in less than five years. In no time, he surprised the experts of the sport by becoming the world number one player in the junior category and then under-21.

Manav is going to participate in a big tournament in Surat for the first time

Still slim and wearing glasses, the 22-year-old will be looking forward to showcasing his skills to his friends and family on Tuesday when he begins his campaign at home at the 36th National Games on September 20 . Yes, it is most surprising that Manav is going to participate in a big tournament in Surat for the first time. Manav, who was part of the bronze medal winning team in Asian Games 2018, said, “It is true. This is my first big event here and I will give my best. We have a good team and we are confident of doing well.

Only human from Gujarat to qualify for World Junior Championship

Manav, whose father Vikas is an ophthalmologist, admits that choosing a sports career over medicine was a bold decision, which was not that easy. He revealed, “I was 11 when I left home. I was missing home and I used to miss home cooked food. But when I started performing well, things got better. Today, all my family members are happy that I have pursued my dream. Manav, the only paddler from Gujarat to qualify for the World Junior Championships, has fond memories of his ‘mother institution’ and continues to train with his coach Wahed Malubhaiwala in the same 15x30ft basement room whenever he comes home.

There are a lot of emotions attached to a small room

Manav said, “There are a lot of emotions attached to the small room where I first learned to play. I have a very close association with my first coach, Wahed sir and I enjoy practicing with him.” Manav used this facility to maintain fitness during the lockdown caused by the Kovid epidemic. IOCL Grade A1 Officer said, “My house is very close to Sufaiz Academy. I practiced for 4-5 hours daily without stopping for 45 days. It helped me stay in touch with the game and stay fit.”

Malubhaiwala is also happy to see the progress of his disciple. He said, “It is a pleasure to see Manav doing so much good in life. He is taking good training and doing well. Me and my family are proud that Manav keeps coming back to the little room where it all started.” Manav and all his supporters will be hoping that with the National Games in his hometown A new journey of something special will begin.