Surat, a city known for its thriving diamond industry and bustling markets, is now set to make a mark in the world of sports. Two young men from this city of commerce and trade – Harmeet Desai, 31, and Manav Thakkar, 24 – are gearing up to represent India in table tennis at the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
Harmeet, the trailblazer, started his journey in table tennis at a young age when there were no formal training facilities in Surat. With the support of his father, he honed his skills and went on to achieve remarkable success on the national and international stage. In contrast, Manav, inspired by Harmeet’s achievements, followed a similar path to pursue his passion for the sport.
The lack of infrastructure and training opportunities in Surat did not deter these athletes from pursuing their dreams. Instead, they traveled across the country in search of quality coaching and competition. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they earned a spot in the Indian national team and are now poised to compete at the highest level.
The rise of Harmeet and Manav has not only put Surat on the map in the world of table tennis but has also inspired a new generation of players in the city. With the opening of several academies and training centers, Surat is now emerging as a hub for table tennis talent in Gujarat.
As Harmeet and Manav prepare to represent their country on the Olympic stage, they hope to bring home the coveted gold medal and put Surat on the global sports map. Their journey from a city known for its diamonds to one that produces Olympic-level athletes is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of these two young men.
