Have learnt to control my nerves in important matches: Divyanshi Bhowmick | More sports News
NEW DELHI: At an age when most teenagers are juggling school and exams, 15-year-old Divyanshi Bhowmick is already measuring herself against some of the world’s best table tennis players. Competing at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships in New Delhi, Divyanshi once again underlined why she is regarded as one of India’s brightest prospects. She won the women’s doubles silver alongside Yashaswini Ghorpade.Last year, Divyanshi became the first Indian in 36 years to win the U-15 girls’ singles title at the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships, beating three Chinese opponents on her way to gold. She followed it up with a historic bronze medal at the World Youth Championships, becoming only the second Indian to finish on the podium at the event. For Divyanshi, though, medals are merely milestones in a much longer journey.“It’s good to have a tournament in India where you can play against such experienced senior players. You learn so much from every match,” she said. “Competing with my seniors is always a great opportunity.”The past year has exposed the teenager to a demanding international calendar, and she believes the biggest gains have come not in technique but temperament.“Playing so many tournaments has helped me control my nerves during crucial matches,” she said. “That’s where I’ve improved most.”Asked who inspired her to take up the sport, the answer came instantly. “Manika Batra,” she said with a smile. “She’s my inspiration.”Regular exposure on the international circuit has also given Divyanshi a firsthand look at the standards set by traditional powerhouses such as China and South Korea. While she feels India has narrowed the gap in recent years, she believes the leading nations continue to hold an edge in physicality.“They have a lot of power and they’re extremely fit. Whenever I play them, they’re always ready to get to every ball,” she said.
