Harmeet Desai Sets Sights On Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Medal Round
Indian table tennis star Harmeet Desai believes the new mixed team format at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics could provide India with a significant opportunity to challenge for a medal.
Indian table tennis star Harmeet Desai believes the new mixed team format at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics could provide India with a significant opportunity to challenge for a medal, with the country making rapid progress across events. Speaking in an exclusive interview, the Arjuna Awardee and Olympian said India's improvement in men's and women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles gives the country reason to be optimistic about its Olympic prospects. "This time, there will be a new format at the 2028 Olympics that has never been seen before: mixed team. This format is definitely a good opportunity for the Indian team because our women's team is also good. Mixed doubles are good. Men's doubles are good," he told IANS.
"So, in this team event, there will be matches in each discipline. This is going to be a very good format for India. And definitely, in men's singles, women's singles, mixed doubles, men's doubles and women's doubles, India is improving every year. So by 2028, we can definitely aim for a good performance and reach the medal rounds," he added.
The Indian paddler also welcomed the proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, saying a major multi-sport event could accelerate the development of sporting infrastructure and participation in the state.
"When we got the news that the 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in Gujarat, it was very exciting for everyone. When there is such a big event, the entire sports ecosystem changes. Because of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, infrastructure improves, financial support for players increases, more exposure is provided, foreign coaches are brought in, and many other things change," he said.
Harmeet also highlighted the facilities at the Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, where he recently competed.
"Recently, I participated in a tournament in Ahmedabad at the Naranpura Sports Complex. When I went to the stadium, I got to know about the facilities and the different sports arenas there. It feels very good to know that such sports stadiums, with world-class facilities, are available in India," he said.
"And I think there are still four years to go before the Commonwealth Games, so more such stadiums should be built. That will encourage greater participation among the youth and generate more excitement towards sports. Because of that, competition will increase and the sporting level in Gujarat will improve," he added.
Harmeet said the growth of Indian table tennis in recent years has been driven by greater professionalism, financial support, corporate involvement, and regular competitive opportunities.
"There are multiple factors. There is more professionalism in table tennis. Everyone has their own team, personal coaches, sparring partners, physiotherapists, physical trainers and dietitians. This was not the case earlier. Five or six years ago, not everyone had a personal team," he said.
He added that regular participation in international tournaments has also played a major role in improving the world rankings of Indian players.
"The world rankings are updated every week. The pressure has increased today. You have to keep up with other players on a weekly basis. Participation in Contender and Feeder tournaments has increased. You have to play 18-20 tournaments a year, including Contender, Feeder, Smash and Star Contender events. The world rankings of Indian players have improved a lot," Harmeet said.
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