Good to play at home as I am away 11 months a year: Manush Shah

Manush Shah, who was in his hometown Vadodara to play in the WTT Feeder Vadodara 2026, shares, “I feel proud that Vadodara got to host an important international tournament and all those who ensured it deserve a lot of credit. It will inspire more youngsters to take up table tennis. It feels nice to play in my hometown because it also allows me to spend a few days at home. Otherwise, I stay away from home 11 months a year (he trains abroad). The fact that I won the singles crown is just the icing on the cake.”

Manush, an important member of the Indian TT team, who emerged champion at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships held in Vadodara last year, adds, “I have always had good results whenever I have played in my hometown. I hope that continues. It’s good to see cities in Gujarat, especially Surat and Vadodara, hosting prestigious tournaments. Gujarat has excellent infrastructure for TT now, and the GSTTA (Gujarat State Table Tennis Association) is doing a good job. We have a very defined state calendar that is announced in advance, and players can plan well in advance.”

He adds, “I am glad to see Gujarat’s TT players shining on the world stage. Our players are doing well at junior levels too, and the future seems bright. I hope junior players get inspired when they see us (him, Manav Thakkar and Harmeet Desai) representing India and doing well.”

‘Staying injury-free is the most challenging part’

Manush had a great run last year, which included finishing runners-up in doubles (with Manav Thakkar) and mixed doubles (with Diya Chitale) at the WTT Star Contender in Brazil. Talking about his goals this year, he says, “In this tournament (in Vadodara), I played in just the singles event. I have a couple of important events lined up in Doha and Muscat, where I will also play doubles and mixed doubles. Managing three events isn’t easy. So, I will monitor my workload closely. Staying injury-free is the most challenging part of my journey. Also, I hope to do well for India at the Asian Games.”

‘Manav & I share a great bond’

Manush and Surat’s Manav Thakkar form a great doubles team and currently, they are ranked number 6 in the world. Talking about his doubles partner, Manush says, “We have been playing together for almost a decade and know each other really well. Partnering with a fellow Gujarati and talking in our mother tongue is great fun. We share a great bond and that helps us. Also, while I am a more aggressive player, he has great defensive skills. We complement each other well and that’s why we have done so well together for India.”

‘Learnt cooking while staying away from home’

Manush has been living away from home for a long time, as he shifted his base to Europe for better training facilities. He says, “When I was living in Germany, I learnt to cook and would prepare three meals daily. I enjoyed it and would try out new recipes almost daily. I also enjoyed grocery shopping. I think living on my own has taught me to become more independent, especially in terms of managing my daily routine and training schedule. Currently, I train in the Czech Republic (now Czechia).

He adds, “Now, whenever I am home, which is just a few days in a year, I spend as much time as I can with my family. Training abroad has helped me improve my game drastically. I am proud that Indian TT players are doing well and the sport is getting excellent support from different stakeholders, especially TTFI (Table Tennis Federation of India) and UTT (Ultimate Table Tennis). Thanks to UTT, I got to play with and against Benedikt Duda, one of the world’s top players. I really look up to him.”

‘Don’t remember the last time I celebrated Uttarayan’

Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I celebrated Uttarayan. Even this year, I will be in Doha, representing Team India. As a kid, I remember going to my uncle’s house, where several relatives would come, and we loved flying kites together. I also loved eating undhiyu-puri. I really miss home during festivals, but that’s an unavoidable part of being a professional athlete.