“Every dog has his day!!”

I have been thinking now for quite some time regarding the whole lot of opportunities that knocked at my door. Some of which I was successful in grabbing whereas the rest, I just let go off.

One such opportunity that knocked at my door is dated back to my school days. Every neighbor of mine, had one or two sons, but no daughters. Hence I had no choice, but join my bro and his boys group to play. Girls of my age group were holding cute little Barbie dolls and ride lady bird cycles, and there, I was, holding a cricket bat in my hand and riding a hero ranger- gear cycle.  When the teams were made, I used to be the favorite player since, I was a complete all-rounder. My batting was that like Sehwag and bowling speed was so good to break the window panes of my house.. (sounds flowery but true...)

Since, there were no girls to play with; my best partner was my bro. if I know to play cricket, then it’s because of him, and if am a table tennis player today, then it is just because of him.

I was in fifth standard, when I first started playing table tennis. Mind it, I used to play just because during the rains, I couldn't play outdoor games.

I still remember that day when I was in standard sixth, and I badly wanted to be a part of the shuttle badminton team of my school. I practiced hard, only to hear that, I would not be given even a chance to show my game, and the reason being that I was not enough tall and  was weak. I went to my then Physical Director and asked for a chance to prove myself, and he laughed at me, saying, that is not your cup of tea. I was made a laughing stock, everyone present there laughed at me. I was hurt. I was gravely hurt. All I wanted was one chance. I had tears in my eyes, I begged for a chance but all in vain. 


With wrecked heart, I went to the TT room, where one of my friends was playing TT. (She was already the first TT player). I was excited to see her, but to my disgust, the PD sir was even present there. Looking at me, he didn't want to miss the opportunity of chastening me yet again, and asked if I want to play TT. I nodded, and he asked me to play with the first player, and whoa.. Thanks to my bro, I outplayed her.

PD was shocked and he took the bat from her hand and stood to play against me. He served the first ball, and I smashed it hard that earned me a point. He asked me to serve, thinking that I would not be able to. But this time, it was my day. Luck was on my side. Finally, my preparations met with the opportunity. He was unable to receive my service. PD felt really chagrined for what he did. He asked if I wanted to be a part of the TT team of my school. I didn’t answer coz I aspired to become a badminton player. But I didn’t want to let go off the opportunity that knocked at my door. He then asked me to play the selection match, and I outplayed every single player of my school, and there I was.. declared as the captain of the table tennis girls’ team of my school. Being known as the best player of the district is something that everyone would anticipate for. I headed my team for four consecutive times in the state level tourney and left my mark in the minds of people for my TT skills.

I have this amazing zest for Table tennis.(Believe it or not, I wanted to play for my country.. :P ) It’s been twelve years now, and what a great journey it has been  and the journey still continues.

Playing TT came to me as an opportunity and it knocked at the least opportune moment and even if opportunity doesn't knock, then build a door.. !