Surat: Filzah Fatema Kadri may be new to the senior national circuit. But the 19-year-old from Surat showed that she can not only hold herself against the more experienced opponents but also punch above her weight. She combined with Manav Thakkar to upset mixed doubles top seeds Sanil Shetty and Reethrishya Tennison from Maharashtra in the second round to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday.
We caught up with her to speak about the match and her table tennis journey.
Q: Filzah, it was your first National Games. How does it feel while playing in front of the home crowd?
A: Yes, it is my first National Games. I am really happy that it is happening in Surat, the crowd cheered for us when we entered the playing arena and that feels awesome. Today we managed to upset a very strong team and I am looking forward to more.
Q: How was your experience of partnering with Manav Thakkar?
A: We are teaming up for the first time. It was a pleasure to play with him. He is very supportive. I am the starter and he is a finisher. Our timing is very good, so I think we make a good team. I have learned a lot from him.
Q: Please tell us about how you started playing table tennis.
A: I started playing table tennis when I was 9 years old. I started playing it so that I can bunk classes without getting scolded. But later I started liking the sport a lot so I started taking it seriously.
Q: How did you convince your parents to let you play over studies?
A: It was never a problem from my parent’s side, they are very supportive. Some of the community members were opposing and used to say, “She is a girl. Why are you allowing her to play?”But my parents always stood up for me. Especially my mother has supported me a lot morally and emotionally. She comes with me to all the tournaments. She would be really proud of me today.
Q: How has been the support from the government?
A: I am getting a lot of support from the government. Earlier, I was part of the Khelo India scheme under which I could train at the Khelo India centres. I am also being supported by the state government through the Shaktidoot scheme under which I get funding for tournaments and other support.
Q: What is your goal as a table tennis player?
A: I have only one goal and that is to represent India and win medals for my country. And I would like to tell the players of my age, keep playing. Even if things don’t work out immediately, don’t stop practicing, one day you will definitely win.
