Your progressing age should not come in your way to set another goal or see a new dream. 56 year old Prakash Punjabi believes in this philosophy. A former national level Table Tennis player, Prakash began playing at the competitive level as a junior when he was 13 years old. With his variety of services, consistent heavy top spin attack and forehand flat kills, he invited all the attention of spectators during the matches. Prakash not only represented the Maharashtra State but also won titles of many major ranking tournaments. Partnering with his close friend and then top seed Naresh Mohanani, he has also won many doubles titles.
Prakash Punjabi
Today, after 42 years Prakash still plays with the same enthusiasm and passion, he used to play the game as a junior. The secret of his success is his fitness and more than that his commitment, especially while playing the team event. In the recently concluded Annual Inter Club Table Tennis league organised by MCDTTA, Prakash represented his Club – Cricket Club of India ( CCI) ‘A’ team. While playing in the III rd division, Prakash won all his matches except one, to take his team into finals. His best performance was against MLWB team, against whom he won his both crucial matches. The only match he lost was to Veer Asher of Student YMCA and that too in a well contested five games battle, losing the deciding game very narrowly. This was certainly a creditable performance while playing against some of the opponents who were less than half his age. In the Veterans event, Prakash has also been doing very well in the 50+ group and has won many medals at the state and national level.
Prakash ( 3rd from left) with his Century Warriors team members and co owner Sandeep Katiyar
Besides being active on the table, this stylish left hander also sponsors his own team Century Warriors with his partner Sandeep katiyar in the State ranking Veteran’s team events, as well as in the MSL TT League every year. His team Century Warriors has won many titles in the Veterans’ events. And that makes his partner happy, who also sponsors his team. “Whether it is practice time or match, I am equally serious about my game and I pay more attention on committing less mistakes,” he says. Prakash has also plans to start his coaching academy in the city as well as in suburbs. “ Let me give something back to this game,” he concludes.