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Getting recommended was a pleasant surprise: Sathiyan
Ace paddler Sathiyan Gnanasekaran was among 20 sports personalities picked for the Arjuna Awards.
Chennai
Besides Sathiyan, other prominent names recommended were fellow table tennis player Manika Batra, tennis star Rohan Bopanna, cricketer Smriti Mandhana and sprinter Hima Das. “I was actually training when the news was announced. My coaches informed me about it. I did not expect it but, I am very happy. This was the first time I applied for it. It was indeed a pleasant surprise,” said an elated Sathiyan in an exclusive chat with DT Next.
“I knew I was good enough. Not every time do two people from table tennis get recommended. Manika has been doing quite well too. We managed to achieve something historic and it feels good when the government recognises it,” added the 25-year-old.
The Chennai-based lad has had a dream run in 2018, which includes three medals at his debut Commonwealth Games and a historic bronze at the Asian Games in Indonesia. He won the men’s doubles silver with veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal and was also a key member of the team which bagged gold at Gold Coast. Sathiyan also ended India’s 60-year-long wait at the Asiad by scoring the winning points against higher-ranked Japan.
“It’s been a tiring season but I have enjoyed it a lot. I don’t think it can get any better. One can may be call it the golden era in Indian table tennis history. The Asiad bronze felt like a gold. I feel that performance would have been a key reason for me getting recommended. This award is a huge motivation for me to work harder and go for a medal at the Olympics,” remarked the 2018 TOISA Table Tennis Player of the Year.
Sathiyan is the only sportsperson from the state to have been recommended for the Arjuna Awards this year. “The state has a great legacy in the sport. We have a wonderful pool of coaches now. It’s great to be a part of this journey at such a young age. This wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of my parents. I received great support during my schooling as well as college days.”
Sathiyan penned a contract with German top division side ASV Grunwettersbach, which plies its trade in the Bundesliga. Commenting on the experience of playing in such a prestigious league, he said, “Your game will only get better when you play there. We get opportunities to play against a lot of world-class opponents. Featuring in high pressure games in front of huge crowds always tests your character.”
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