Fourteen-year-old Shweta Parte got her Diwali gift two days early when she was crowned with three titles in different categories.
IES VN Sule Guruji student wins three titles at the district ranking championship
MUMBAI: Fourteen-year-old Shweta Parte got her Diwali gift two days early when she was crowned with three titles in different categories of the Malabar Hill Club City district Ranking Table Tennis Tournament, Malabar Hill Club last Tuesday.
The IES VN Sule Guruji girl got the better of her opponent Deepti Mandrekar in women’s singles, girl’s u-20 singles and girl’s u-17 singles summit rounds.
“This is the first time I have won a triple crown and it was really great,” she told DNA.
“I got my Diwali gift two days before Diwali and I am really happy to win the titles,” said a shy Shweta.
Apart from Shweta’s win, the Parte family also celebrated Shweta’s elder brother Gaurav’s maiden title win in the men’s section, where he defeated top seed Saurabh Mohite.
“It’s really a great week for us. My brother won his maiden title and I am really happy for him. The happiness is yet to sink in for us,” revealed an elated Shweta.
Shweta who ranks 4th in the state rankings found her opponent Mandrekar tough to beat as she was especially good with her top spin.
“Deepti has a good top spin and it was really difficult to block it. I am a bit weak in my blocking and I need to work on it. But it was fun playing with her. I have faced her earlier in Indian Gymkhana tournament and I won there also,” she said.
Shweta, who idolises 8 times national table tennis champion Kamlesh Mehta, wants to represent her nation just like any other ambitious table tennis player. “My dream is to play for India one day,” admitted Shweta.
The youngster’s father, Guru Parte, who also coaches her, is proud of his daughter’s feat.
“I feel proud for her. She is a talented and hardworking girl, and I knew that she would win all three titles as soon as she reached the three finals,” he said.
“She was always an aggressive player, but needs to work in certain areas like top spin, blocking and few things. I think she will learn those things quickly,” added Parte.
Parte, who has played table tennis at a decent level, has been following his daughter’s showings in the sport keenly.
“She has won four consecutive MSSA titles and few other state tourneys,” he said, “but she has a long way to go.”
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