A rising table tennis star

Here is one child prodigy who loves devoting most of his time to playing table tennis.

Supreeth. S. Chadiga, a student of Rashtrotthana Vidya Kendra, Thanisandra, exudes confidence as he talks about his passion for table tennis aka Ping Pong. "My father used to play table tennis during his free time in office and his friend is also a national level player. One day, I just happened to lay my hands on the racket and ever since there has been no looking back. For the past three years, I have been taking training from CR Jayasimha, who has helped me immensely and has been encouraging me in a big way," said Supreeth.

Amongst State's eight best
His house snuggled in HRBR Layout, 2nd B Cross, is filled with medals and trophies that he has won. Supreeth, who has taken part in various tennis tournaments, is currently listed as one among the top eight players in Karnataka under the non-medalist category. In the month of August, he participated in the South Zone Level Table Tennis Meet and was selected for National level. Besides, he regularly keeps attending all the zonal tennis tournaments conducted by the Karnataka Table Tennis Association. In 2010, he grabbed the first prize in 16th Table Tennis Tournament organised by Vidyabharti Karnataka. Last year in November, he took part in the third Indian Oil Servo State table tennis championship.
It's a hectic day for this 9th Std kid; nevertheless, he enjoys and savours each moment of it. "Once my school classes are over, I head towards the tennis club in Horamavu and reach home by 9 PM at night. On weekends, I go to Star Table Tennis Academy in Rajajinagar. There has never been a moment when I get bored for I love playing this sport," adds Supreet. He is thankful to his family members and most importantly, his teachers, for co-operating with him 24/7.
Supreet's mother, Sandhya S Chadiga, who accompanies her son whenever there are tournaments, said: "I am proud to say that he is one responsible child with his head on his shoulders. He makes sure to take time off for studies besides playing tennis." During his free time, he indulges in dancing, drawing and swimming. In fact, he has even won one silver and two bronze medals in one of the swimming competitions held by New Baldwin International School. When asked about his future ambition, Supreet said: "I want to become an IAS officer and will continue to play table tennis by the side."

Good knowledge of the game
His knowledge of table tennis is deep and for that he credits his huge collection of Ping Pong videos and sports-related books.  Jan-Ove Waldner of Sweden, Deng Yaping of China and India's Sharath Kamal are some of his icons, from who derives inspiration. Supreet is aware how other sports are overshadowed by cricket in the country. "I think media should start highlighting the advantages of playing table tennis and I hope a day will come when all the sports are given equal attention."
Before signing off, Supreet adds with a slight grin: "I think parents should encourage children to take up table tennis as a hobby as it has many benefits. Besides keeping them fit, it improves concentration, reflexes and footwork, but then it's a fast game and hence demands a lot of energy and interest." A young wonder with oodles of talent and right amount of dedication, indeed!

Knowledgable
His knowledge of table tennis is deep and for that he credits his huge collection of Ping Pong videos and sports-related books.  Jan-Ove Waldner of Sweden, Deng Yaping of China and India's Sharath Kamal are some of his icons, from whom he derives inspiration.

--NIVEDITHA JAIN