Had to prove that I deserved to be part of Asian Games team: Ankur Bhattacharjee
Ankur Bhattacharjee won the men's singles title at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, using the victory to prove his worth after being excluded from the Asian Games squad. The 19-year-old's performance was a significant career milestone, achieved in front of a home crowd in Kolkata.
Why it matters
The story highlights the competitive pressure on young athletes and the importance of regional championships in proving talent for national selection.
The moment he blocked one of Payas Jain’s signature forehand topspins from the backhand corner deep into the forehand corner and watched his doubles partner fail to reach it, Ankur Bhattacharjee knew the wait was over.
The 19-year-old dropped his racquet, turned to the near-capacity crowd of over 2,000 — largely made up of schoolchildren — and gestured at them to raise the volume. He then blew a flying kiss towards the stands before embracing Payas and sharing a long hug with his father-cum-coach Angshuman Bhattacharjee.
It was more than the celebration of a title.
By prevailing in a topsy-turvy 70-minute final to win the men’s singles crown at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, Ankur had delivered his answer to the Indian table tennis fraternity.
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