SURAH: The 36th National games kicks off here on Tuesday, with India’s top table tennis players in the spotlight long before the grand opening ceremony on September 29.
Hosts Gujarat have spared no effort to not only deliver the country’s best Games of all time, but also hope to clinch the first gold medal on Wednesday, with the dynamic duo of Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar lead the charge.
‘Gujarat are already a big force in Indian table tennis’, former national champion Kamlesh Mehta said.
“With Harmeet, Manav and Manush Shah in their ranks, they are favorites to win the men’s title,” he added.
Stars Sharath Kamal, G Sathiyan and Manika Batra are among the favorites for the singles and doubles titles which should lead to some fascinating battles.
Players who will be part of India’s contingent for the world championships later in the month are hoping to get into their stride over the next five days.
The Gujarat government has scheduled the TT competition ahead of the official start of the Games to ensure they compete here as well as the world championships in China.
As well as winning the first TT medals, Gujarat will be hoping to improve on their ninth-place finish at the 35th edition in Kerala. They have good medal prospects in swimming, tennis, volleyball, athletics, triathlon and struggle.
“In the past, states had several years to prepare for the Games. But Gujarat took charge of hosting these Games within a span of three months due to the infrastructure built over the years,” said Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghvi. recently speaking to students of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University.
Gujarat’s top stars are thrilled to have the chance to compete in front of the home crowd and are confident of a strong performance.
Hosts Gujarat have spared no effort to not only deliver the country’s best Games of all time, but also hope to clinch the first gold medal on Wednesday, with the dynamic duo of Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar lead the charge.
‘Gujarat are already a big force in Indian table tennis’, former national champion Kamlesh Mehta said.
“With Harmeet, Manav and Manush Shah in their ranks, they are favorites to win the men’s title,” he added.
Stars Sharath Kamal, G Sathiyan and Manika Batra are among the favorites for the singles and doubles titles which should lead to some fascinating battles.
Players who will be part of India’s contingent for the world championships later in the month are hoping to get into their stride over the next five days.
The Gujarat government has scheduled the TT competition ahead of the official start of the Games to ensure they compete here as well as the world championships in China.
As well as winning the first TT medals, Gujarat will be hoping to improve on their ninth-place finish at the 35th edition in Kerala. They have good medal prospects in swimming, tennis, volleyball, athletics, triathlon and struggle.
“In the past, states had several years to prepare for the Games. But Gujarat took charge of hosting these Games within a span of three months due to the infrastructure built over the years,” said Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghvi. recently speaking to students of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University.
Gujarat’s top stars are thrilled to have the chance to compete in front of the home crowd and are confident of a strong performance.