Chennai: The table tennis players who returned to Tamil Nadu after winning gold medals in the Commonwealth Games were given a warm welcome at the Chennai airport. The 22nd Commonwealth Games were held in England. Indian players played well in this tournament and won 61 medals. Star players from Tamil Nadu, Asanta Sarath Kamal and Sathyan Gnanasekaran, who participated in the table tennis game of this series, were amazing by chasing medals. While Sarath Kamal won 3 gold and 1 silver, Sathyan won 1 gold and 2 silver. On their return to Chennai, they were given a warm welcome by the Tamil Nadu government at the airport yesterday. Relatives and parents also welcomed.
* Sarath Kamal is enthusiastic
I played with more confidence after the semi-final. The match started out tough and then got better. I had won 2 golds in 2006. I have won 3 golds this time. This match turned out to be a great match in life. Tamilnadu government should give more attention and importance to sports. More stadiums should be built. It is important for players to go abroad for training. In Tamil Nadu, it is not possible to take sports as a priority from childhood. As studies are important, students cannot focus on sports. People who were with me in childhood could play better than me. But, they could not continue the game as they went to study. I play better as I get older than when I was younger. I will participate in upcoming international competitions and win medals for the country.
* Sathyan elasticity
Indian players played very well in the Commonwealth Table Tennis Tournament. The competition was very tough as many countries participated. Playing against English rivals was a big challenge. I have won bronze medal in singles table tennis, gold and silver medal in doubles.Coaches were the main reason for me winning medals in Commonwealth Games. It is an honor to win 3 different medals.
My next goal is to win medals at the Olympics. The Union and State Governments continue to provide encouragement and assistance. Thank you for this. If I continue to help like this, I will definitely win medals in the Olympics. I must appreciate my mother and father who supported me. Now my father is not with us. I played crying thinking of my father. Thanks to the trainers. I am going to meet and congratulate Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.Stalin.