It is very difficult for a woman to enter any sport after 40. At this age, many women suffer from some or the other health problems. But, for Sneha Padhye it was like ‘better late than never’ Academically an Aeronautical Engineer Sneha joined Air India and got totally involved into her job . But, when she turned 40, she thought of getting into sport. So, she started playing the game of table tennis. Air India was already promoting various sports activities and always encouraged their employees into different sports with extra facilities.
Suhas Dandekar, then Air India tam manager found spark in Sneha’s game and gave her practice in the evening after office hours. And very soon Sneha found her place in Air India team which she represented at Veterans’ Nationals. Sneha continued to participate at the competitive level and for the first time reached finals of Women’s 40 +section at the Solapur State Ranking Veterans’ TT Tournament . And this was a proud moment for her Coach and practice partner Suhas Dandekar, who has also trained another successful Veteran TT player Dr. Anagha Joshi( a former State Player) in 50+ group.
In the current season Sneha played two consecutive state ranking Veterans ‘ TT tournament finals in Women’s 50+ section. Today, at 52 she is holding the post of Senior Assistant General Manager, but she does find time for her TT practice. Sneha is looking forward to perform at the next World Veterans’ TT Championship, scheduled to be held next year at Bordeaux, France. Certainly, Sneha an inspires all those women in their 40s and 50s, with her achievements in sports.