Hyderabad: G Sathiyan, India's Olympic-bound paddler, has been restricted to individual training since his qualification in March, but feels he can still "bring his A game" in Tokyo without having to participate in tournaments outside the country.
All set to participate in his first Olympics, Sathiyan admits that the second wave of the Covid-19 has disrupted some of his plans to practice outside India. But he is banking on previous results that followed when he went into the tournaments directly from his hometown, Chennai.
In an exclusive interview, the 28-year-old takes Etv Bharat through the technicalities involved in the game -- role of the table, weather, sparring partner, training as he plans on upsetting "big names" at the Olympics.
Excerpts:
Q. What's the update on San-Ei absolute W advance table. Also, take us through how this particular table will help you for Tokyo Games?
A. I have ordered the table already for San-Ei, Japan. The request has been put to TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme). It is yet to be approved. But I am sure in the next meeting they will ask for a couple of documents and it should be approved by TOPS. I am expecting its arrival by the end of June. There are different types of table which have different characteristics. For example the Stag is very greeny and hence very spinny and it's very fast. But the DHS (Double Happiness) table which has also been used are more flatter and not so spinny and the bounce is normal. Different tables have different bounce and surface. I have played on the San-Ei table in Japan League. It's medium-fast, bounce is normal and spin is in between the DHS and Stag. It is a special Olympic addition. I am not aware how it's going to behave. It is a special addition and the very reason I wanted to buy because we purchased the Stage black America stop for the nationals and the Olympic qualifiers and it really worked well because I was able to get used to the conditions and perform really well. That's the reason I wanted to get used to this table. I will probably not get too many hours -- one or two hours of practice -- on that table as there are lot of restrictions in the timings but here I will be able to play 6,7 hours a day. In two weeks, I should get around 100 hours with my coach. I will be able to understand the bounce on the table, how it's behaving with spin and the speed of it. Also, whether the table is flat or spinny. You need to make a lot of technical adjustments as per the table's surface and behaviour. It will be very helpful if I am able to prepare myself three-four weeks in advance rather than going there and having only three-four days to practice on that table.
Q. The table will be used in Tokyo Games and your request seems to be directed at getting comfortable with the conditions. What are the other conditions that you will have to get used to it? Have you replicated anything from what will be used at the Tokyo Games?
A. Apart from the table, we are looking at specific players. We have to adapt as per their style of play. That's the tactical part. Another thing is waking up early in the morning to get used to the Japan's timing since they are ahead of us in . Once we get used to it, it will become easier to deal with jetlag. We will try all these once we get closer to the Olympics.
Q. Recently you said you are working on variations and power shots. Take us through what kind of variations are we talking about and how do you plan on generating more power in your stokes?
A. I cannot reveal about that (laughs). Yes, I am working on a lot of variations: strokes, service and my receive. The power game is very critical because I have been very consistent and aggressive. But to generate more power in my strokes is very important at the top level because it gives me points at crucial stages. Firstly, developing strength, which is the physical part, is very critical to generate more power. Secondly, you have to create good positions and footwork is important too. If you are in a good position, you can strike tha ball really hard. It's also about creating patterns and scenarios where you can create good footwork positions to generate power and strength. With that you can give your 100 percent. Yes, power games has not been my forte. I have been more of a counter-attacking player or aggressive player. Speed and agility has been my strength. With that if I can mix power, it will be a very lethal combination. I am definitely working on that so that I can upset some top players.
Q. The temperature and atmospheric conditions in Tokyo during Olympics will almost be similar as southern part of India. Will that be of help?
A. The temperature in Tokyo should be around 20-24 degrees. Chennai is extremely hot now. A bit similar. It starts raining here very fast and Japan might also receive a little bit of rain in July. Not exactly the same, there will be difference in temperature. Due to the tropical conditions here, the speed will be different. But yes, it's not going to be completely different like USA or western countries. It will be similar to some extent and I have also played in Japan T-League. It was a good time to go there and get used to the conditions. The big halls, the players, the weather. I do have an idea of Japan as I have been there for tournaments during July-August. Hence, we should be able to acclimatise.
Q. Do you think lack of match practice can affect the performance of Indian players considering they are not able to participate in tournaments outside India?
A. We had planned to bring in a couple of foreign players to India for practice but it has completely gone to the drain due to the strong Covid second wave which has taken the country by storm. That plan had to be dropped because no foreign player was ready to come here. Also, going abroad was the second plan but even that's going to be an issue with the visa and quarantine regulations very high in the European countries for Indians. Going outside for training is going to be very difficult. Nevertheless, I have a great set-up here and I always loved to go from Chennai to a big tournament. There are other benefits like you get to eat home cooked food. I have my coach and my core team with me, and my sparring partner as well. All this has given me a lot of confidence. You have positive vibes when you go from your home. I have performed well in the World Cup, World Championship, Olympic qualifiers, National Championship, etc. In all these tournaments I have always gone from Chennai and it gives me a good edge. But I would love to go somewhere if the situation gets better. Although, it really looks difficult. Yes, I would love to play tournaments. Who wouldn't want? I think the entire world is facing this situation (Covid). No tournaments for anyone except some countries are organising league matches and local tournaments. Competitions are always good. But we are trying to create match scenarios. My coach is doing a great job by creating match like situations, putting me under pressure. I feel butterflies in my stomach when I play those practice games. It would definitely help me in big tournaments like Olympics. I am confident, and I can bring out my A-game without participating in competitions. I will still make a mark.
Q. Let's talk about the mental aspect of the game. How are you dealing with all the discussions around Olympics and whether it should happen at all. Has this affected your training?
A. The Olympic games is a big tournament and it does create a little anxiety. I try to avoid reading too much news on that. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Japan have reassured that we are going for the Olympics. There is no doubt on that. As far as training is concerned, I never stopped or felt any problem or was disturbed. I cannot control these things. I can only control my training and regime. This is my first Olympics and I really want to make it memorable. I kept going from Day 1, full throttle. There was a doubt initially but now it's all settled and fine. I made sure that even if I read a little bit on this, it doesn't affect my regime.
Q. Is there any aspect of game you have and others don't, and something opponents should be wary of?
A. It's nothing like you have something and others don't at the top level. Bringing in different tactics on that particular day (match day) makes a difference. One strong point is definitely my speed. That has always been my strength. Speed, agility, quickness with good control and I can do a lot of strokes with variations. I have a good defence and counter-attacking game. Speed and control is a great combination which takes a lot of opponents by surprise. Not many have that. I play close to the table with a lot of quality and there are many who can't do it. Opponents will have an eye on disrupting my game of speed and agility. But I am working hard to make sure I keep continuing on my strong points and working to improve on my weaknesses as well.
Q. What should Indian fans expect from you in the Olympics?
A. Indian fans' support have been amazing in the last few years. They have always believed in us. We performed exceedingly well in the Commonwealth Games with the best ever performance for India. It was my debut and I won three medals there. I know there are plenty of expectations and we are not going to leave any stone unturned. The effort will be 200 percent for every point. I am going to be there, fighting it out. I will be taking round by round. I don't want to directly think about medal or the final. I really want to upset a couple of big names in the Olympics. That will be my primary target. I would really love to go all the way to quarterfinals. You never know. It happened in Asian Games, I can always win the elusive Olympic medal also for India in Table Tennis.
-- Ayushmaan Pandey
