Ayhika Mukherjee, popularly known as the golden girl of Indian table tennis has been holding the bat since she was six years old and has come a long way.
The elusive gold at the Commonwealth Championships is the result of the consistent hard work produced in two years.
She created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in the Women’s Singles category of the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2019 at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Cuttack.
Catch Ayhika Mukherjee as she shares her journey with Namita Nayyar, President, Women Fitness.
N.N.
You created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in the Women’s Singles category 21st edition of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. Share your journey to become a table tennis player right from the age of 6 yrs.
A.M.
When I was 5 that’s when I started playing T.T. I started T.T. because of my mother. She used to think that every girl in Bengal should go for either dancing or singing (which is true) and encouraged me to join sports line. I had to be different from the rest of the girls. After 1 and a half year from joining I started playing with different racquet/ rubbers from others(anti/pimples). In 2008 I went for my first tournament and won the tournament in under12.
From that time, I thought that I can do something for this game and for myself. I used to set small goals for myself. I used to think if I win the district level, I can play for the state level and If I win the state level I can play for the national level and same with international. Even now I set small goals for myself and try to achieve. I like to go step by step. and I get a huge amount of support from my parents they sacrificed many things for me. My mother had to quit her job for home care and my father was in BSF, he took the volunteer retirement to build my career. He used to take me to all the tournaments. Even now he does that for my domestic tournaments. It wouldn’t be possible without them and of course my coaches. They helped me at each level of my life.
N.N
Key determinants that played a role in your career to become a sportsperson?
A.M.
The most important determinant that played a role in my career as a sportsperson is the will to put effort in my work and to never be satisfied and keep on pushing till the very end of every session.
Next being, discipline and determination. I’ve always looked up to my Senior and always try to imagine the game from their point of view. Staying positive in good situations is easy but keeping yourself positive when everything around is breaking apart is the toughest part of my career. I’m still trying to improve a lot about my game and there will always be more determinants that will always play some role or the other in my career as a sportsperson and as a human being overall.
N.N.
Share your daily fitness routine? Number of hours you train, different exercises you need to focus on?
A.M
At first, I did not like fitness that much. I Used to train but couldn’t enjoy. then I started train with the former east Bengal football team captain Mr. Chandan Das. When I was with him, I started enjoying fitness. He was amazing. Then he became busy with his football routine. Now for last one year I started fitness training with Mr. Chinmoy Roy who was the fitness coach of Sourav Ganguly Wridhhiman Saha and many cricket legends. I’m enjoying fitness very much now with him and I need to work more on strengthening and for him I’m getting better at it. Now I do fitness with him for almost 2 hrs and same for the gym on a different day. I practice on the table almost 7 hrs in a day.
N.N
Your diet routine as a player to build stamina & strength? Supplements you take. Also, foods you try to keep to minimum.
A.M.
I used to eat load of junks and everything. I am a great foodie. but I had to give up on that for my game.
For the last few years, I’ve been eating loads of veggies, fruits. nonveg but boiled. Bit of carbs for energy. I used to take supplements but now I’m not taking any. I eat Junk very rarely. Sometimes I eat Bengali food but everything I eat is homemade.
N.N.
How do you try to cope with injuries, sprains, and body aches? Tips for upcoming teenagers to follow in this sport.
A.M.
I’m very lucky that I don’t have any serious injuries. But when I train Hard and get tired at the end of weekend, I like to take a good massage from my Masseur and take a long hot bath then take a good rest. Then I recovered from any kind of body pain.
Tips for upcoming Teenagers
One needs to sacrifice many things to fulfil their dreams. Always stay very focused toward goals and have to stay low key.
Dream big, work hard and smart stay humble, stay calm. Be mentally very strong. The mind is everything.
N.N.
Teamwork is called for in the double’s championship. How do you prepare for the same?
A.M.
I love to play doubles. Its shifts the mind from singles and helps to understand the game from the partners perspective. It is really important cause judgement and movement play important role in doubles event. And yes, it is somewhat of a teamwork cause both the players must stay connected in movement and understand each other’s game to perform well and must trust one another.
N.N.
Your inspirational sports person? Why
A.M.
I believe that role models are people from whom you can learn valuable lesson. Serena Williams has always been my inspiration. I like her confidence; she is an extraordinarily strong woman with a strong mind.
My current favourite is Naomi Osaka. She also has many inspiring qualities.
N.N.
You are among the growing number of sportspersons who have stepped up to help people during pandemic. How has the same affected your sport & training routine?
What are the upcoming championships in future?
A.M.
The pandemic has been a real blow to many people’s lives. I and many others have faced the reality of the pandemic. I really wanted to do Something for the people out there with whatever I could. I have reached out to many friends to do the same.
Because at the end of the day, a sportsperson is built on the shoulders and support of the fans. It really made me feel blessed to share smile with the people in trouble. I am glad I took the decision of helping people out there. It didn’t have much effect on my schedule or Practice routine because I always make sure to find out time for myself and follow my fitness and mental training.
N.N.
Message for WF followers & your fans?
A.M.
I would like to tell my dear friends to be careful in this pandemic situation. Please stay safe with your family and stay active.
Stay creative. keep your body as well as mind strong.
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