The Hindu : Sport : Hardworking and intelligent player

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007
ePaper

Sport

Sport

Hardworking and intelligent player

K. Keerthivasan

— Photo: K. Pichumani

G. Sathiyan.

CHENNAI: G. Sathiyan, the 15-year-old paddler standing just above five feet, towers above all else in his age-group. Winning medals in the National arena has been a ritual for him now.

A trainee of three-time National champion and Arjuna Awardee V. Chandrasekar, he claimed two gold medals — the individual cadet boys’ title and a team gold — in the World junior table tennis circuit held in Panaji, Goa recently.

“I am really happy as this is my maiden gold in a major international tournament,” said Sathiyan, who did not lose a singles match in the championship.

Sathiyan got $300 for his individual title and shared $350 for the team gold. All the matches (knock-out stage) in the individual event were tough and went to five games.

He described the semifinal match against counterpart Soumyajit Ghosh as very satisfying.

“Both of us have a lot of similarities in the way we play the blocks and pushes, said Sathiyan. He later went on to defeat Indian Harmeet Desai in the summit clash.

Tough group

Being placed in a tough group in the team championship (best of five matches inclusive of four singles and a doubles) and coming out unscathed was gratifying, said Sathiyan.

“We defeated Pakistan I 3-0, edged out Singapore 3-2, and blanked Bhutan 1 3-0 in the group.

India defeated Pakistan II 3-0 in the semifinals and Singapore again in the final 3-1.

Sathiyan’s rise, for those have observed him closely, has not been a surprise.

Intelligent player

“The youngster has worked hard for his success. He is an intelligent player, remarked Chandrasekar.

Chandrasekar said Sathiyan has proved the technical pundits wrong that being short and thin he is at a disadvantage as he cannot use power to conquer his opponents.

“This win is a big boost to my academy, to his parents and to the State and country,” said Chandra.

Sathiyan thanked his school — Kola Perumal Chetty Vaishnav SSS for its un-stinted support.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail