News
In the Spotlight - Aditya Sareen
Published Wed 15 May 2024
We sat down with Aditya Sareen to chat all things Olympics ahead of a massive Table Tennis Australia Olympic Qualifying tournament this weekend in Ballarat.
TTV: Can you share your journey to the Olympic qualifiers? What were the significant challenges you faced along the way?
Aditya Sareen: Some significant challenges I faced were having many international tournaments on the calendar. I had to travel around with a very busy schedule going into different countries almost week after week. The lack of time with family has probably been the hardest part for me personally leading up to the Olympic qualifiers.
TTV: What would representing Australia at the Olympics mean to you personally?
AS: I'm really fortunate to have this opportunity to represent Australia at such a young age. I mean, not many people get this opportunity so I'm extremely happy and excited to compete for a place in the Olympic team.
TTV: How have you been preparing specifically for this event, both mentally and physically?
AS: Mentally I've been talking to my coaches, my dad, and everyone who's been supporting me throughout this journey. My physical preparation has been constant, involved all kinds of training such as core and legs to get myself ready for the physical requirements needed to compete at this level.
TTV: Table tennis is a sport that requires intense focus and strategy. How do you maintain your composure during high-pressure matches?
AS: I would say for me just like to play. It gets challenging sometimes in the close moments, but if you just play and don't think about it, and just try to have fun then the best comes to you.
TTV: What aspects of your game have you been working on to ensure peak performance during the qualifiers?
AS: I would say my speed and physicality has been the main focus. I've been trying to work on that a lot, trying to get more power into my shots and more quality.
TTV: The Olympic qualifiers often feature tough competition. How do you plan to approach matches against opponents of varying playing styles and skill levels?
AS: Of course everybody's coming to the Olympic Qualifiers to win and we're all trying our best. I'm just going to try to take it point by point no matter who the player is.
TTV: How important is teamwork and support from your coaching staff and fellow players in your preparation for such a crucial event?
AS: Yeah, it is extremely important. My dad and my coach, we've been working very hard coming up to this competition so we all just have to keep working hard.
TTV: Qualifying for the Olympics is a dream for many athletes. How do you stay motivated and focused on your goal, especially during challenging times?
AS: Somedays could be low and some high, but I try to maintain my composure. I have seen so many other high-level players before me compete at the Olympics, and so now it is my ultimate goal because I want to be there.
