A young introverted boy from a small city saw a big dream with his sparkly eyes, which was to follow his passion determinately, 24 years later he was the first one from Surat to waver Indian tricolor at the Olympics.
Indian Table Tennis champion Harmeet Desai, an Arjun Awardee, was among the three esteemed TT players representing India at the Paris Olympics 2024. “It took lots of hard work and patience, with determination and discipline to hold on to my passion. It took me around 2.5 decades to reach here.”
A voyage from Surat to the Olympics
Born and raised in Surat, Harmeet’s journey into the world of table tennis began at home only. “I still remember the first time when I first saw the TT Table.” Six-year-old Harmeet got sparkles in his eyes when his father, who was a passionate TT player brought the table home. He wanted to try playing even though he could hardly reach the height of the table. He was introduced to the sport at a young age and his interest only increased.
This maestro believes that his parents are the reason he was able to pursue this career. It was with their support he could manage both school and the game. “I used to wait for my dad to come home and play with me. Even if it was 11 or midnight he never refused. And my mom was my 1st competitor, I always wanted to win against her.” Mr. & Mrs. Desai acknowledged their son’s innate talent and unyielding passion for the sport and at the age of 8, he was sent to Ajmer, to get trained under a Chinese coach for the National Junior Championship. As a result, he won his first medal in the under-10 category.
After years of continued practice in his hometown with facilities and infrastructure not so good back in time, while handling academics and TT both pretty well, Harmeet managed to go on his first international trip to China to represent India at the age of 15. While talking about his academics he shared that he was quite a bright student, “I was good at studies, especially my GK and geography was on point as while traveling for the game I practically experienced and witnessed many things, unlike my classmates who only read them.”
Years have passed and there’s no looking back, he has represented India in Table Tennis in more than 50 countries and won numerous medals in Junior and Senior categories. The recent badges include a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2018 & 2022, and the prestigious Arjun Award in 2019. Not to miss on him qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Maintaining Health -A Champion’s Way
Fitness is an asset for any athlete; for a sportsperson, maintaining health means investing more in a career. Living on this statement, Harmeet designates 1/3rd of his day to physical activity. “Average 2 hours in the gym and 5-6 hours of compulsory practice, these 8 hours I give to physical fitness daily.” It is important to be flexible in TT; monitoring diet and exercise becomes very important. It's been quite a long time since he started playing and he believes as one gets older, speed declines, so workouts, diets, and practices become more crucial than ever. “I am already 31 and want to continue playing as long as I can that’s why I am more cautious with my health than ever before.” Much attention is given to diet and fitness for the longevity of his career.
Mental health is as important here. Harmeet believes that one’s mind needs to be calm and patient during the crucial moments of the game at the same time it should be quick, attentive, and reflexive and for that mental stability is a fore most important thing.
Learnings and beyond
“Sports is the best teacher!” For Harmeet, Table Tennis has been more than a game. It has been a journey that shaped his life in more than one way. There is winning and there is losing, here you cannot get very low with failure or very high with success. “Sports teach you to stay balanced in life.” This Olympian believes that in sports, you have no time to hold on to any emotion for a long time as there is always a new tournament or championship coming up. “If you lose don’t hold onto it, find your shortcomings, work on it, try to get better, and chase excellence.”
This champion has some advice for youngsters – follow your passion, just give your 100%, and do not compare your journey with others as sometimes good things take time. “It took me 24 years to reach here.”
Over the years, Harmeet’s trajectory has been amazing. He has competed in numerous National & International tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, where he won multiple medals. This esteemed Arjun Awardee’s next stepping stone is the Paris Olympics 2024. His success on the global stage has made him a household name in Surat and an inspiration for many young aspiring athletes in India.
Team HFM is proud of a fellow Surti and wishes the best for the future!
This Surti boy has a fun-loving personality besides the game.
Tell us something about you that shows your Surti side.
I am a true Surti, I am a big foodie. Though I don’t get time to visit there and eat much for obvious reasons I love the food there. Locho & Ponkh are my favorites and like any other Surti, I love to travel.
If not a Table Tennis player what would your alternate career be?
I was very fond of Army uniforms when I was young. I have a shy and sensitive personality so my brother used to tease me that Army men don’t cry. Anyway, I am happy that I still wear a uniform and represent India in another way.
If get a chance, name 2 athletes you will go on dinner with.
One is Sachin Tendulkar, obviously and another is my very favourite Rafel Nadal, he has been my Idol since childhood. He will be in this Olympics and I will meet him and watch his matches if possible.
Your favorite pre-match meal.
Most of the time I am travelling and don’t have many choices but rice and pasta are my go-to. They are light and easily digestible. Sometimes rice makes me slow in games but pasta is a perfect pre-match meal for me.
Most memorable match
It was of course 2022 Commonwealth final because it was the last match of the team event which I got to play and I won a medal there. Memories are still fresh.
