Olympics postponement gives TT hopefuls more preparation time but foreign coach unlikely

postponement of Tokyo Olympics to next year due to COVID-19 pandemic has given India's table tennis squ more time to prepare and given current scenario, sport's governing body TTFI is looking to fill he coach's position locally rar than hiring a foreign coach. he coach position has been lying vacant since 2018 Asian Games due to multiple factors.  Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) h tried to rope in Canian Dejan Papic last year but things did t work out as latter decided to undergo a knee surgery when he was expected to join squ.

Foreign coach unlikely

"We can only look at an Indian coach w. re is activity happening at moment but when things get better, I doubt a foreign coach would like to come here considering global situation (due to coronavirus)," TTFI secretary general M P Singh told PTI. 

"Indian coaches anyway have been working with men and women team over past one year. Most likely, we would stick with m." 

Former national champions Soumyeep Roy and Arup Basak have been working with men and women respectively for more than a year. With entire world sporting scene coming to a standstill due to pandemic, re is lack of clarity over Olympic qualification events.  Asian qualifier was supposed to take place next month but world body ITTF has suspended all activity until end of April.

"We are waiting for ITTF for more details on future. Olympic qualifying events need to be rescheduled and may be fresh rankings will have to be considered for qualification," Singh ded.

India's highest-ranked player G Sathiyan, who is in line to qualify alongside veteran Sharath Kamal, said it is still too early to talk about game. "Decision could only be me after world is able to contain virus. Indian coach is an option but will have to discuss with TTFI and SAI when time comes and take a call," said Sathiyan.  Among women, Manika Batra has best chance of making Olympics cut. 

Im credits: AP