My Third Table Tennis Tournament
To achieve in any goals or dreams we
should practice and always have a strong sense of determination. With the help
of practice, hard work and some coaching, we will be able to reach our
destination in life.
Sports and physical activity are an
important features for our day to day life. Sports clears our mind and also
keeps us strong and stable. Many types of sports are liked by many people. Even
if some don’t like playing it, they will enjoy watching it instead.
Like many people, I also like playing
sports. I have been playing table tennis since I was 8 years old. That was when
I first learnt to hold a TT bat and I practiced with my brother and father.
After practicing for a few years with my brother, I improved myself and started
to like the sport.
I have participated in various
School-level TT tournaments. In 2023, I was second place in Joint-School Table
Tennis Tournament. Same year, I participated in Inter-school tournament
organized by St. Xavier’s school.
On 31st July 2024, I was able to
again participated in table tennis match organized by St. Xavier’s school. This
match wan an inter-school match where about 6 schools had participated
including my school. Along with me, 6 other TT players had participated from my
school. Although we did not have enough time to practice at school, I practiced
at home with my brother.
On the match day, we all were nervous
but excited to compete with our opponents. Our coach, Gyandev sir gave us some
last-minute important instructions before the match and we were ready. Sometime
later, my school’s principal, along with our coordinator came to wish us luck for
our matches.
The matches stared at 10 am. I was
called for my first match. I felt a rush of nervousness and excitement as I met
my first opponent. She was from St. Xavier’s school, she was a good player her
in both the sets but I could win her. I was congratulated by my teammates and
my sir.
Sometime later, I was called for my
second match. My opponent was again a girl from St .Xavier School. She was a better player. In 3 sets, I was able
to win only 1 and she eventually 2 wons. I felt a bit sad but my teammates
reminded me that losing and winning in a game is normal.
Soon we had our lunches given to us
by the school. After a short refreshment, we were again called in the table
tennis hall. My other friends also had a few matches to play so I was there to
cheer them.
Me and my friends roamed around the
school for a while and were called for the closing ceremony. We were all
exhausted but still excited for the final match.
Finally, in the final matches, two
students from our school were in the final round. In the end, my school was
able to win in 2 categories, under 13 and under 16.
We congratulated each other and we
all left for home.
Even if I didn’t win this tournament this
time, this was a great experience for me. I learnt that a game always has a
winner and a looser. This tournament has also boosted my confidence level and I
am looking forward for another Table Tennis match soon. I thank our couch for
giving the opportunity to participate in this tournament and also giving us the
encouragement and instructions during preparation and during tournament time.
Shuvanjali Manandhar
