In a notable showcase of local talent, Danisha Patel from the Lenasia Table Tennis Association (LTTA) claimed gold in the women’s singles at the UMG TTA Open 2025, while her teammate Chetan Nathoo earned a bronze medal in the men’s singles and a gold in mixed doubles. The tournament, held from May 1-3 at Pietermaritzburg Girls High School in KwaZulu-Natal, attracted over 200 players from across South Africa and marked one of the sport’s premier events for the year.
Patel’s victory adds to her recent successes, including her first-place finish at the Johannesburg Table Tennis Association (JTTA) Open 2025. She highlighted the competitive spirit and camaraderie among players, noting the tournament’s well-organized format, which involved progressing from eight groups into knockout rounds. Despite challenges such as adjusting to the humidity in Pietermaritzburg, Patel emphasized that table tennis remains a fun sport that demands discipline and practice. “You won't know how good you are unless you try,” she encouraged aspiring players.
Chetan Nathoo also performed admirably, earning a bronze in the men’s singles after a strong run to the semifinals, where he was defeated by fellow national team member Liam Buekes. Additionally, Nathoo and Patel teamed up to win the gold medal in mixed doubles, showcasing their versatility and teamwork.
The event was praised by UMG TTA president Preshen Naidoo for its high level of play, sportsmanship, and the diversity of categories, including able-bodied and para events, as well as junior divisions under 11 to 19. Naidoo highlighted the tournament’s role in nurturing future talent and fostering growth within the sport, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and youth development.
Commenting on her performance, Patel expressed pride in representing Lenasia and the community’s potential to excel on national platforms. “It was a good overall tournament for me, and winning gold in mixed doubles with Chetan was a highlight,” she said. Nathoo reflected on the event’s success, stating, “Back to the drawing board for now,” as he aims to improve further.
This tournament underscores the rising prominence of table tennis in South Africa and the promising future of local athletes like Patel and Nathoo, whose dedication continues to inspire their community.
No comments:
Post a Comment