Ghosh prefers to take one match at a time

Sunny Kaul

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 30

With just a couple of months to go for the Rio Olympics, Soumyajit Ghosh is sweating it out in Sweden under the watchful eyes of former European champion Peter Karlsson. The youngster, who celebrated his 23rd birthday recently, talks about his prospects in the Rio Olympics and how he is preparing for the big event in an exclusive interview to The Tribune. Excerpts:  

How is your training going on?

In the last Olympic Games I was unable to make any impression. I have been preparing for Rio for the last four years. I am in the final stages of my preparation. However, it is a never-ending procedure. I still need to work on a lot of things. I need to work hard till the last day.

Apart from the technicalities, what aspects of the game are you working on?

There are many aspects which need to be worked out, especially the physical fitness. I never miss the one-and-a-half hour of gym session. Now, when less than 100 days are left for the Olympics, I have to work on my agility and endurance. I am careful about my diet and my fluid intake. Of course, one has to work on the tactical gameplan as well. It plays an important role in today’s table tennis.

Ahead of a big tournament, experts say it’s about peaking at the right time. How are you assessing yourself right now?

I beat world No. 14, 24, 32 and 36 in the last one year. Surely it will give me a lot of confidence, but I prefer to set short goals, which ultimately lead to the bigger goal. I don’t think about the next match. Definitely, Olympics is the dream tournament for every sportsperson, but for now, I don’t want to think too much about it and just prepare to deliver my best in Rio.

Is there any pressure to perform given that you are India’s top-ranked player at the Olympics?

I feel rather responsible. It is not an easy challenge.

You are currently ranked world No. 65. There are some big names ahead of you, how are you looking at the situation? Are you depending on the draw?

Surely, if I have a better rank, I can get a better draw. But one should not think that way. As I told you I set short-term goals, one match at a time.

What about your loss to a lower-ranked Japanese player in the Polish Open last month?

Japanese are talented paddlers and he is just around the top 100. Losing to him, I don’t take it as an upset. However, losing a match like this is always a wake-up call.

In a recent interview, you said TT players in India need greater support to perform at the bigger stage. Now, with the government spending a lot of money on players, how are you looking to utilise the opportunity?

We have been extended help just three months before the Games… but I must appreciate the government for its decision. For sure, the amount will help me plan a quality regimen for the next three months in Sweden.

In the last Olympics, you lost in the second round against a North Korean player. What are your expectations from Rio?

London was a good experience. For Rio, I am confident enough and in good shape, so I will try to give my best for sure.

You will be participating in the Slovenia Open before the Olympics, what about your participation in the Japan and Korea Open, you haven’t confirmed your entry till now?

I am not in a mood to experiment now. I am just thinking about the Rio Olympics. I believe it is better to prepare for the Games so that I can deliver my best there.