Top-50 opposition in UTT a great learning curve, says Nithyashree Mani

PANAJI: Indian paddler Nithyashree Mani said that competing against high-calibre opponents in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 has provided invaluable experience for domestic players facing top-50 international talent.

Representing U Mumba TT, Mani has taken on formidable opponents, including reigning UTT MVP and three-time Olympian Bernadette Szocs in the opening tie. While results have not always gone her way, the Indian international has consistently battled hard, pushing her opponents in crucial phases and gaining vital exposure against world-class competition.

“I am really happy that I got an opportunity to play today, and to compete against a foreign player has made me even happier because I get to showcase my game against world-class athletes. I am delighted that I won 2-1. In the third game, she played extremely well, but I am glad I could secure two points for the team,” she said.

Displaying resilience and determination, Mani has embraced the challenge of taking on some of the world’s top-ranked players in the highly competitive league.

“In this season’s UTT, there are many exceptional players in the top 50, and getting to play against them is a great experience for all the Indian players. The environment and the team support are so encouraging, so it is really wonderful that UTT is progressing so well. I am thrilled that we have qualified,” she said.

Speaking of the win that proved crucial for their playoff qualification, she gave credit to her teammate Lillian.

“If he had not taken those two games, the pressure would have been on me. I am glad he did that because it allowed me to play much more freely,” she said.

With U Mumba TT likely to face Kolkata in the semi-finals, Mani remains optimistic about the team’s prospects.

“Hopefully, we will go on to win,” she added.