Dempo Goa Challengers built like a family; trust is key: Head coach Timina
PANAJI: Dempo Goa Challengers head coach Elena Timina, one of the most accomplished coaches in international table tennis, reflected on her role with the side and spoke about how harmony, respect, and trust among the coaching staff and players have played a pivotal role in their campaign.
Timina brings decades of international experience to the sport, having coached some of the world’s leading players.
“I think we made a very good selection at the beginning, and when we all came together, it turned out really well. Parag Agarwal (Indian coach of the Dempo Goa Challenger) and I were already working together. This is our third season together and the fourth season with Dempo Goa Challengers. We know the owners very well, and Parag and I understand each other thoroughly,” said the world-renowned coach.
“We don’t need to talk a lot to each other because we know how we think. There is harmony between the coaches, as well as between the young and senior players on the team. There is harmony between the players who are playing and those on the bench. It is like one unit. We are built like a family, where we really support each other so much. I think everybody trusts each other, and that is the key,” Timina emphasised.
Timina also said that as coaches in this league, their main role is to make the players feel happy and comfortable within the setup so they can produce their best game when required.
“But that does not mean we are sweet and soft, or that we are always doing what the players want. That is totally not true. That has happened during the season as well. There were obstacles and various things that we had to solve as a team. We are very honest with the players, and the players are honest with us. So when something happens, before it becomes a big fire, while it is still small, we can sort it out. Above all, there is a lot of mutual respect in the team among everyone,” she said.
Dempo Goa Challengers’ unbeaten run in the league ended after they were defeated 8–5 by U Mumba TT in the final of Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7.
Speaking at the post-match conference, she said, “I am very proud of the players. It’s tough to lose the decisive set. We have learned a lot from that. It’s sad for us, but it was a lot of pressure for everybody.”
Timina also said that the same preparation will be carried forward for the next season.
“We don’t know who is going to be on our team next year. It’s difficult to say. I know that the team, the management, and the coaches have really done everything to win in this league. We were close, but it didn’t happen. It hurts. It’s not easy to win this league. But I think next year we will do exactly the same in terms of preparation and auction,” she added.
Timina also believes Butterfly UTT has provided Goa with a unique opportunity to showcase its potential as a destination for world-class table tennis while inspiring the next generation of local players.
Loading ...