New Delhi, Jul 14: With big names of Indian Table Tennis missing from London Olympics, onus will be on the teenaged duo of Soumyajit Ghosh and Ankita Das to deliver but it might be a case of asking too much, too early from them in their debut appearance at the mega-event.
Both Soumyajit and Ankita have the ability to spring a few surprises, but it would not be fair to expect something big from the two 19-year-olds at the intimidating stage.
However, both teenagers are looking to utilise this opportunity in the best possible way and put up a performance which would be remembered for years to come.
“This is very important for me, my first ever Games. I want to put out a performance that no other paddler has done before. I want people to remember me for my performance at the Olympics,” said Ankita.
The duo does not stand a realistic chance, but they cannot be ruled out either as they have the ability to create upsets.
Soumyajit in particular can make himself count by creating some flutter in the first stage of the tournament if a little bit of luck goes in his favour.
“Honestly speaking, it's very difficult (to win a medal) but it also depends on the draw. It will eventually boil down to how far I can go (in the event),” Soumyajit told PTI.
“I never expected that I would qualify for the Olympics, it was a distant dream...I was expecting that may be in 2016 I stand a chance, but since I have made it I don't want to let go this chance without putting up a fight,” said the paddler, who beat compatriot Anthony Amalraj in the Asian Qualifiers to qualify for the Games through a South Asian quota.
Both the paddlers may n fact thrive given that there is no pressure on them.
“I was talking to Soumyajit and he said he just wanted to be in the Olympics. Soumyajit said no matter who the opponent might be he will go and have a blast.
And if he plays his natural game I believe he has the talent to create a few upsets,” national coach Bhawani Mukherjee said.
