'India Is A Bomb In Table Tennis, Waiting To Explode'
Sportstar|July 15, 2017

Massimo Costantini Is a Star in Indian Table Tennis, the Man Behind the Country’s Rich Haul in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Back for a Second Stint as India’s Head Coach, Costantini Discusses Various Facets of Indian Table Tennis With Amol Karhadkar.

Amol Karhadkar
'India Is A Bomb In Table Tennis, Waiting To Explode'

“Costantini. That’s my second name. But for some reason, I have been constantly referred to as Constantini. And I have got used to it,” says an ever smiling Massimo Constantini, oops Costantini, while adjusting his spectacles.

For the followers of Indian table tennis — yes, there are more than a few, believe it or not — Costantini is a star, the man behind the country’s rich haul in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. No wonder, he is back as India’s head coach, after stints in the USA.

During the National Ranking (Central Zone) Championship in Indore, Max — as he is popularly known among the fraternity — discussed various facets of Indian table tennis with Sportstar .

Excerpts:

Question: This is your second stint as India’s head coach. How has it been so far?

Answer: Judging by the enthusiasm, the warm welcome from all the stake-holders and the results, I would say the first eight nine months of the second stint have been absolutely good. We just came back from the World Championship with not expected but good results. I was confident that with a good preparation, we can perform well and we did.

How would you compare your two stints as India’s head coach?

I think, to begin with, the competition has improved. The movement is growing up, judging by the numbers. In 2009 and 2010, for the zonal meet there will be 1000 entries and now there is 1400. There is a 40 percent hike in the number of participants, which is significant. It means that the country is working to keep improving.

Bu hikaye Sportstar dergisinin July 15, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Sportstar dergisinin July 15, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

SPORTSTAR DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Tokyo Marathon Cancelled For Amateurs On Coronavirus Fears
Sportstar

Tokyo Marathon Cancelled For Amateurs On Coronavirus Fears

Organisers in Japan cancelled the amateur portion of the Tokyo marathon, affecting around 38,000 runners, on fears about the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan.

time-read
1 min  |
March 21, 2020
Right Criteria To Pick The Tennis GOAT
Sportstar

Right Criteria To Pick The Tennis GOAT

What should the criteria be? What weight should be attached to each criterion? And what should not be considered as valid criteria?

time-read
10+ dak  |
February 8, 2020
The making of a batting behemoth
Sportstar

The making of a batting behemoth

If Steve Smith dominated the Ashes in England in a dramatic, blockbuster fashion then his like for like a replacement, Marnus Labuschagne, is the Next Big Thing after an exciting summer of run-glut.

time-read
4 dak  |
February 8, 2020
WHEN ACES WERE REWARDED...
Sportstar

WHEN ACES WERE REWARDED...

It was an evening of nostalgia and celebration when the Sportstar Aces awards were given away in Mumbai.

time-read
6 dak  |
February 8, 2020
A question of recognition
Sportstar

A question of recognition

After a week of awards, one wonders if it’s only a departed player that one will be named after.

time-read
2 dak  |
February 8, 2020
Thinking straight, thinking right!
Sportstar

Thinking straight, thinking right!

“A lot depends on when I am bowling and what is required from me. That’s something I do when I play for India and I try to follow the same thing in the domestic circuit,” says Yuzvendra Chahal.

time-read
7 dak  |
December 14, 2019
The Big Three and the Next Gen
Sportstar

The Big Three and the Next Gen

Though the Big Three are very unlikely to retire during the same year, Judy Murray, mother of Andy, echoed the sentiments of many fans worried about the impact of their departures.

time-read
9 dak  |
December 14, 2019
WAKING UP TO MENTAL HEALTH
Sportstar

WAKING UP TO MENTAL HEALTH

Sport at large and cricket specifically has taken an inordinately long time to address the elephant in the room — the dark abyss of depression.

time-read
5 dak  |
December 14, 2019
Like sunshine in a gloomy dressing room
Sportstar

Like sunshine in a gloomy dressing room

Bangladesh quick Abu Jayed Rahi is new in the red-ball arena, but his swing brings back old memories — of James Anderson on green tops.

time-read
6 dak  |
December 14, 2019
The league of the masses
Sportstar

The league of the masses

With traditional clubs locking horns with the hard-working nurseries of the game, the I-League will continue to keep the beating heart of Indian football alive despite official apathy.

time-read
4 dak  |
December 14, 2019