Eyes set on mutiple goals

Naina Jaiswal, the national and international Table Tennis champion loves to study even while playing back toback. At a young age of 18, Naina has completed her post-graduation and is pursuing her PHD in Sports Management.

Speaking to The Hans India she shared, “I started playing table tennis when I was 8-years-old. I was inspired by my grandfather and father. Later I took part in many competitions and I became National Champion, South-Asian Champion in Pakistan and then International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) .” Currently she is World No 6 .

Till now she has won 15 gold medals, 12 silver medals and 10 bronze medals”. “My father is my coach from the time I started playing table tennis, as he is also a table tennis player and has represented India in various championships. I have done my home schooling, and it has never been difficulty for me to study during my exams.”

Naina Jaiswal, who spends most of the time practicing or playing TT shared her busy day schedule, “My day starts at 5 am and from 5 am to 7 am I do physical exercise, from 8 am to 11 am I play table tennis and then study for Civil Services as I always wanted to help the poor people and to do something good for the society.

Once I turn 21, I will appear for my Civil Services Examination,”She added. Speaking about her future Naina said, that her aim is to represent India in Commonwealth games and Olympics, eventhough she expresses her regret that she does not have any sponsorship, neither from the government nor from private companies.

Yet she believes talented kids must pursue their interest in sports, “Every child should be a part of some sport and if they are really interested in sports they should start at an early age so, that it is easy for them to grow in game,” she concludes.

By Aneri Shah