It has taken 25 years of hard work to realise my Olympic dream: Harmeet Desai

While Indian table tennis players have represented the country at individual events in Olympics in the past, this is the first time that India have qualified for the team event in table tennis. Harmeet Desai, one of the key members of Team India for the upcoming Paris Olympics, is eagerly waiting for his Olympic debut. Harmeet, who is currently training in Germany, tells us, “It’s every athlete’s dream to represent the country at the Olympic Games and it has taken me 25 years of hard work to realise this dream. Also, I feel it’s a matter of great pride for Gujarat that two TT players from the state (Manav Thakkar being the other one) are a part of India’s Olympic TT team. Manav and I complement each other well in doubles and I have learnt a lot from him.”

‘I am being very careful about my diet and fitness regimen’

With the Olympics just a couple of weeks away (it begins on July 26), Harmeet says that it’s “crucial to stay injury-free.” He adds, “I am being very careful about my diet and fitness regimen. In the last few months, I have travelled to different countries for tournaments and with so much travelling, it isn’t easy to take care of one’s diet. We always carry the necessary supplements and sufficient carbs intake is important during a tournament. While I have been working out regularly, I don’t exert myself too much before a big event. While it took a long time for me to become an Olympian, it just shows that being patient and trusting the process eventually helps you in fulfilling your dreams. I have been a huge fan of Rafael Nadal and want to meet him in Paris. I love his approach towards the sport (tennis) and would love to have a conversation with him.”

‘I miss Krittwika, but that’s how life is for a sportsperson’

Harmeet, who got married to TT player Krittwika Sinha Roy in December 2021, shares, “I last met Krittwika one-and-a-half months ago, and won’t be able to meet my family for at least another month. It’s tough and I miss her (Krittwika); we speak daily over video calls.”

He adds, “However, that’s how life is for a sportsperson and there are no regrets. It’s a blessing to be married to a TT player because she understands these things. Also, whenever I am not playing well, talking to her really helps.”

‘I believe this will be India’s best show at the Olympics’

I have done well in the past few months, which includes becoming the national champion for the second time and winning an important doubles title (with Manav) in Nigeria. Qualifying for the Olympics was a historic moment for our TT team. On our day, we can beat anyone, and we will be aiming for a medal in the team event. We will take it one match at a time. Overall, I believe this will be India’s best show at the Olympics and our medal haul should be in double digits, which has never happened before. I couldn’t watch the T20 World Cup final as I was on a flight. I watched the highlights the next day and the way we turned things around in the last five overs was incredible. Such victories in any sport are inspiring for everyone.