The Jaipur Patriots overcame a challenging start in the Ultimate Table Tennis league by securing their first win against U-Mumba, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from local talent Nithyashree Mani. This victory was crucial for the Patriots, who were coming off a disappointing 6-9 loss to Goa Challengers in their debut fixture.
The Patriots set the tone early in the tie against U-Mumba with a commanding performance from Cho Seungmin in the men’s singles match, where he dominated his opponent with a 3-0 win. This initial victory boosted the team’s morale, setting the stage for Suthasini Sawettabut to deliver a thrilling win against Spain’s Maria Xiao. Sawettabut’s match was a tight contest, but her resilience paid off, allowing the Patriots to maintain their lead.
However, U-Mumba quickly struck back, winning the next two games and narrowing the overall score to 7-5 in favor of the Patriots. The momentum seemed to be shifting, and the Patriots found themselves in a precarious position as they approached the final match of the evening.
The decisive moment came when Nithyashree Mani, the 21-year-old local star, stepped up to face Sutirtha Mukherjee. The odds were against Nithyashree, as Mukherjee is an experienced and formidable opponent. Nevertheless, Nithyashree remained composed and played with remarkable poise and determination. Her aggressive style and quick footwork allowed her to seize control of the match, securing a crucial 2-1 victory and clinching the overall tie for the Patriots.
Reflecting on her performance, Nithyashree expressed gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility for the faith her team placed in her. “I didn’t come in expecting anything. I just wanted to give my best and fight for each and every point,” she said. “The management trusted and picked me in the team, and I wanted to repay their faith.”
Nithyashree’s calm demeanor and strategic gameplay were key factors in her success. Despite facing a daunting challenge, she managed to stay focused and leveraged the pressure her opponent was under. “I didn’t face any pressure before my match. In fact, I think she [Sutirtha] would’ve been under tremendous pressure because of how we performed as a team,” Nithyashree remarked. “I was able to feel that, and I wanted to capitalize on it. That’s why I shifted gears and played aggressively.”
The atmosphere in the Patriots’ camp was electric, with teammates and support staff cheering Nithyashree on every step of the way. The positive team environment, as Nithyashree noted, played a significant role in her performance. “The team environment is really good, and for the next 15 days, we’re going to be like a family,” she said. “We’ve got to trust each other. And no matter how down someone feels, they know that the others have got their back.”
Nithyashree’s journey to this moment has been unexpected. Initially, she was not part of the Patriots’ plans; the team was built around top-seeded Sreeja Akula, who was forced to withdraw due to a stress fracture. Nithyashree was brought in as a replacement, a role she has embraced with humility and determination. “Obviously, I can’t fill her place in the team, but I always try to give my best for the team, and I think I’ve done pretty well so far,” she said.
Her performance against U-Mumba suggests that the Patriots may not miss Sreeja’s presence as much as initially feared. With tougher ties ahead, Nithyashree is keen to continue her winning streak and help her team navigate the challenges that lie ahead. “When they first approached me, I was a bit nervous because I had other plans in mind. But I think that’s how life works, and I’m glad it happened,” she reflected.
As the Patriots gear up for their next challenge, all eyes will be on Nithyashree to see if she can continue to deliver under pressure and lead her team to further successes in the Ultimate Table Tennis league.
