Dream Sports Championship U-15 Table Tennis Tournament: A Platform for Future Stars

Chennai Hosts the Dream Sports Championship U-15 Table Tennis Tournament

Chennai, Tamil Nadu - March 22: As the finals of the Dream Sports Championship (DSC) U-15 Table Tennis tournament approach, German coach Chris Pfeiffer, affiliated with the Sharath Kamal Academy, highlighted the tournament's role in nurturing the next generation of table tennis talent in India.

This five-day event, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, has created a professional atmosphere for young players to challenge themselves against formidable opponents, as stated in a recent press release.

Equipped with a six-camera setup and live streaming via FanCode, Pfeiffer noted that these young athletes are gaining valuable experience in managing competitive pressure.

“This initiative is remarkable, featuring a unique professional setup. The live-streamed matches provide young players with an incredible opportunity to learn how to cope with pressure. We certainly need more programs like this,” Pfeiffer remarked in the release.

Pfeiffer is also at the tournament to lead mental health training sessions for parents, coaches, and athletes as part of the DSF's Dream Again program. He emphasized the importance of these sessions for the holistic development of India's table tennis landscape.

“Table tennis is an individual sport that demands significant skill and years of dedication. Patience from parents is crucial in supporting their child's journey in the sport. A supportive environment is vital, and initiatives like this are beneficial for everyone involved,” Pfeiffer added.

Parents and coaches expressed their appreciation for the educational workshops, noting how they have enhanced their understanding of their children's gameplay. “My child has learned so much. We hope for more of these opportunities,” said the mother of 13-year-old Pratik Tulsani, currently ranked number one in India’s U-13 category.

“Parents often miss the behind-the-scenes efforts during coaching sessions. These workshops provide athletes with essential insights. As a coach, I’ve also discovered new techniques for training my students, especially in managing multiple balls and improving wrist movements,” commented Rajendra Sawant, Pratik’s coach.

Match Results:

Sahil Rawat and Ritvik Gupta have both advanced to the finals. Rawat clinched his place with a decisive 3-1 win over Petsunthad, with scores of 11-8, 11-4, 13-11, and 11-6, showcasing his strength particularly in the second set. Gupta also triumphed over Atharva Nawarange with a 3-1 scoreline, achieving set scores of 11-8, 10-12, 11-6, and 11-9 after recovering from a close loss in the second set.

On the girls' side, Divyanshi Bhowmick and Shreya Dhar secured their spots in the finals, with Bhowmick winning a thrilling five-set match against Tanishka Kalbhairav. After losing the first set, she rallied to win 3-2 with scores of 4-11, 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, and a tense 12-10 in the final set. Dhar had a smoother route to the finals, defeating Ananya Muralidharan 3-1 with scores of 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, and 12-10.