What Does Coach Constantini Expect from the Renewed Young Indian Squad at the Asian Table Tennis Team Championships?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Massimo Constantini expresses confidence in the young Indian squad's capabilities.
- The team finished fourth last year, earning a direct entry into the quarterfinals.
- Strong competitors include Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong.
- Odisha's investment in sports is pivotal for future success.
- This is the first time Odisha is hosting an Asian-level table tennis event.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) As the ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships 2025 approaches, Indian team head coach Massimo Constantini conveyed his optimism regarding the team's preparations, noting that with the revamped young squad, he anticipates a robust performance.
“We have just come off a significant tournament and a productive training camp in China over the past month. The players are ready, and now we need to implement our strategies once we identify our opponents. Finishing fourth last year and claiming bronze grants us a direct entry into the quarterfinals, so our chance at a medal hinges on one pivotal match,” Constantini remarked.
He continued, “Our rivals such as Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong have a rich history of success, but India is progressively making its mark in Asia. A strong performance here could showcase our potential for global success — even at the Olympics. With a renewed young squad, I foresee a commendable performance.”
Constantini also commended the event's organization and the growth of sports in Odisha, stating, “I previously mentioned in the press conference that Odisha is making significant investments in sports, which I wholeheartedly support. Investment in sports is an investment in the future. We cannot expect results without adequate infrastructure and training facilities. Odisha has fostered an exceptional environment for sports to flourish - I would describe it as a ‘fortress of sports.’ I’m privileged and delighted to be here and hope the Indian team delivers its finest performance.”
The Asian Table Tennis Team Championships will take place in Bhubaneswar from October 11 to 15. This event will also act as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships, with the top 13 teams from each category securing spots.
This marks the first occasion that Odisha is hosting a table tennis event at the Asian level, although it previously held the 2019 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. Bhubaneswar, having hosted numerous significant sporting events in recent years, is also recognized as India’s sports capital.