Arya justifies GSTTA’s choice

Wild card entrant bags bronze at Indore

Gandhidham, Mar.8: Ahmedabad-based Arya Kataria bagged bronze in the Cadet boys category at the UTT 82nd Cadet & Sub-Junior National Table Tennis Championships 2020 in Indore.
Arya, who got a wild card entry for his splendid performance, grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Arya had an easy Round of 32 match against Samvedh Elaprolu (AP) where he registered a straight-game 11-5 11-6 11-8 win.
The Amdavadi didnt drop a single game in next two rounds as he accounted for Parth Magar (Mah A) 15-13 12-10 11-6 and Sardar Rupam (Bng A) 11-6 11-5 14-12 in pre-quarters and quarters respectively.
In the semifinals, pitted against Parth Prabhakar (UP), Arya gave a good fight but went down 10-12 8-11 11-9 8-11 7-11 and claimed bronze.
Arya who didnt make it to the semifinals of Cadet boys category in the Gujarat State TT Championships 2020 held at Gandhidham in January had to play as wild card entrant.
“Arya has made us proud. He has lot of promise, which he displayed during state championships in Gandhidham. Unfortunately, Arya didnt finish in top four but his talent compelled us to give him wild card entry. He has a bright future ahead and should keep working hard,” said Vipul Mittra, IAS, president Gujarat State Table Tennis Association.
Echoing similar sentiments, secretary GSTTA Haresh Sangtani said, “Arya is a special talent, and he has been identified as that. He is improving his game and that is an characteristic of a good player.”
Results of Arya:
Rd of 32: bt Samvedh Elaprolu 11-5 11-6 11-8
PQF: bt Parth Magar 15-13 12-10 11-6
QF: bt Sardar Rupam 11-6 11-5 14-12
SF: lost to Parth Prabhakar 10-12 8-11 11-9 8-11 7-11