Manush adds star power at 1st Gujarat State Ranking Tournament 2021 (Ph-II)

JAMNAGAR, SEPT. 23: All eyes will be on Manush Shah, the rising star of Gujarat tennis, as he gears up for his first state tournament of the season at Phase II of 1st Gujarat State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament 2021 organised by Jamnagar District Table Tennis Association under the aegis of Gujarat State Table Tennis Association (GSTTA) at Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Complex Indoor Stadium, Jamnagar from 24th to 26th September, 2021 .
Manush had to miss the first state tournament of the season – Gujarat State and Inter District Table Tennis Championship 2021 in Gandhidham in August – as he was sharpening his skills while competing in the European circuit. But the 20-year-old southpaw is fresh and ready to battle it out at his home turf.
“I had to miss the first tournament of the season as I was competing in Poland. It was my first experience in the European club circuit and I must say that it is worth every bit of it. There are so many things to learn, simply by competing and practising with some of the top players,” Manush said.
“After being out in Europe for about 40 days, I took a break of a week to recharge myself. Now, I am refreshed and ready to take part in the domestic tournaments,” he added.
In Manush’s absence, Ahmedabad’s Chitrax Bhatt staked his claim by winning both Men’s as well as Junior Boys’ (U-19) title and the former acknowledged the competition while admitting that there is no room for complacency.
“Look, I know these guys and have competed with them many times in the past. I know these are fierce competitors. Like me, they are also working very hard to improve their level of play. So, I think every time I face them it is a new and tougher challenge for me as everyone thrives hard to improve themselves,” India no. 13 said as a matter of fact.
The year could be crucial for Manush as he will be focussing on his rankings and will be keen to break into the Indian team.
“From this year, there is no under-21 category which means I have to compete in the senior category. It will be a tough challenge for me, but I am looking forward to it. I aim to improve my rankings, break into the Indian team and compete against the best in the world,” he added.
“We are glad to have Manush back in the state meet. He is one of our top players and will add an extra shine to the tournament,” GSTTA president Mr Vipul Mittra said. “I think the tournament will be an interesting one with other youngsters coming up with some fairytale performances in recent times,” Mr Mittra, IAS, added.
While Manush will be the overwhelming favourite, Chitrax will once again be hoping to recreate his scintillating form from Gandhidham as he can also face stiff competition from Ishaan Hingorani in the Men’s category.
In the Women’s draw, in the absence of Surat’s Kritwikka Sinha Roy, the winner at Gandhidham, her teammate Frenaz Chipia should be the favourite to win the title. Another Surat girl Filzah Fatema Kadri will be eyeing the Junior Girls’ (U-19) title but can face tough competition from the likes of Ahmedabad’s Kausha Bhairapure among others. Meanwhile, in-form Nidhi Prajapati of Ahmedabad will be eyeing the Junior Girls (U-17) title. But keep a tab on young Pratha Pawar, who has the potential to upset the applecart.
“After the success of our state tournaments in Gandhidham and Modasa, we are now looking forward to Jamnagar for hosting a memorable meet. There will be no relaxation as we are also careful about the COVID. Our rules and regulations are in place and we will be ensuring strict adherence to it,” GSTTA chairman Mr Milind Torawane, IAS, said.
Written by : Pranjal Protim Boruah | 23 Sep. 2021