By winning singles gold at Cuttack, I proved people wrong: Harmeet
His emphatic win against England’s David McBeath in the Team event at the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships in Cuttack last month brought India from the brink to a face-saving gold. After down 0-2, Harmeet Desai made it 2-1 before India won 3-2. Later he bagged singles gold and made a big statement. On the eve of being conferred upon with Arjuna Award, 26-year-old paddler from Surat gets candid during conversation with GSTTA.harmeet arjuna award
Congrats Harmeet on your selection for the prestigious Arjuna award, a big moment of your career…
It feels great. I am overwhelmed and feel fortunate to get this award. The hard work for all these years have paid off and it really gives me extra motivation to do even better and win more medals for the country. I got the news, when I won my quarter finals match in the national ranking tournament at Trivandrum. I was overjoyed and called my parents to share the news.
Your win against David McBeath proved vital in the team event of Commonwealth TT. What was going through your mind?
I just wanted to give my best. I had the belief that if I can do my job, Sharath and Sathiyan will surely win their matches. I was very much determined and focused on my match and didn’t think about the score at all.
From Surat to Commonwealth TT to Commonwealth TT 2019 in Cuttak, how the journey has been?
The journey has been really tough but very exciting. I have been through a lot of tough times during the last 3-4 years including the exclusion from the world championships this year. I have been working really hard and it gives me a confirmation that ups and downs are part and parcel of athletes career, but one should never lose hope and never stop working hard.
Which is the biggest moment of your career till date? Singles Gold at Cuttak recently?
For me the biggest is the gold medal in Commonwealth Games Gold Coast (Australia) 2018 was really very special as it was my first ever CWG medal. I could stand on the podium hearing to the national anthem. Also, winning the singles gold in Cuttack was really special as I could prove all the people wrong who thought i can’t win a singles medal.
What subtle changes you made to your game which has proved vital in last four fruitful years?
In the last 4 years, I have worked a lot on the physical aspect. Also I worked a lot in last one year on the mental and tactical aspect that has helped me a lot lately.
Any particular moment which you can say was the turning point of your career?
I think there were many moments that were turning points in my career. The most impactful was my selection in the commonwealth games 2010 probable’s, as I could train with the top ranked senior players of the country and learn a lot.
Lastly, have started eating ice cream?
(Laughs) Yes I did start. But I haven’t had an ice cream from last few months.