Seasoned Italian coach Massimo Costantini has been re-appointed for the third time as the head coach of the Indian table tennis team by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). With an impressive track record in his previous stints, Costantini has set ambitious goals to transform India into a powerhouse in table tennis, rivaling nations like Japan and China.
During his first tenure, Costantini led India to a remarkable performance at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, where the team secured five medals. He returned in 2018 for his second stint, guiding India to win two medals at the Jakarta Asian Games. Despite these successes, Costantini feels he has “unfinished business” and is determined to elevate the Indian team to new heights.
“I am here for unfinished business. I have always seen big potential in India to become a powerhouse in table tennis. And I like to be someone that can contribute to the success,” Costantini told PTI. His commitment is fueled by a desire to achieve something substantial in the upcoming Olympics, which he considers the ultimate motivation.
Costantini’s focus is now on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, scheduled from July 26 to August 11. He emphasized the importance of understanding the current dynamics of the sport before imparting his expertise to the Indian players.
“The Olympics is some sort of appetizer and just only two months away. And so, just to understand what’s going on, since I left, the world has changed completely, so I need to learn first before teaching,” he added.
Leading the Indian contingent in Paris will be veteran paddlers Achanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra, alongside Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath. Costantini’s return has sparked optimism and renewed energy within the team as they prepare for the biggest stage in sports.
Costantini’s strategy includes rigorous training, tactical enhancements, and a focus on mental strength. His previous tenures have already set a solid foundation, but his third term aims to build on this and push the Indian team to aspire for Olympic medals.
“We have done well in the previous two tenures. Time will tell if we can do even better. So even better means to aspire to something big in the Olympics. And that is the biggest motivation,” Costantini explained.
The re-appointment of Costantini comes at a crucial time as Indian table tennis has been on an upward trajectory. Manika Batra recently made headlines by defeating World No. 14 Nina Mittelham and advancing to the quarterfinals of the Saudi Smash 2024, highlighting the growing prowess of Indian paddlers on the global stage. Additionally, Batra’s achievement of becoming the first Indian female paddler to break into the top 25 in singles rankings signifies the progress being made under Costantini’s guidance.
As Costantini prepares to lead the Indian team once again, his vision for transforming India into a table tennis powerhouse is clear. By focusing on comprehensive development and aiming for Olympic success, Costantini hopes to leave a lasting legacy in Indian table tennis. His leadership, experience, and strategic approach will be pivotal as India aims to make a significant impact in the Paris Olympics and beyond.
