Sumanjit Chaudhry (4.64-66) has achieved remarkable success on the international stage, winning two medals while representing India at the World Racketlon Championship in Rotterdam last month.
Introduced to the sport just over a year ago, Sumanjit took up the challenge of Racketlon, a demanding multi-discipline sport that combines table tennis, badminton, squash and tennis, with competitors playing one game of each sport in succession. Having played all four at various stages of his life, he decided to trial for the Indian team travelling to the world championships.
While squash, in which he had represented Delhi State some 30 years earlier, and tennis were familiar territory, badminton and table tennis presented a very different challenge. Sumanjit had not played either since leaving school more than six decades ago. Undeterred, he committed himself to an intensive training programme, working with specialist coaches and discovering that muscle memory quickly helped him regain his skills.
The road to Rotterdam was not without setbacks. A fall last September resulted in a broken wrist, costing him three months of training, while an inflamed Achilles tendon threatened to derail preparations closer to the tournament. Through determined rehabilitation, intensive physiotherapy and a demanding fitness regime with his personal trainer, Sumanjit not only recovered but also lost seven kilograms in weight and successfully qualified to represent India.
The championship, which brought together 480 competitors from 40 countries, proved both physically demanding and hugely rewarding. Competing as the oldest player in the field, Sumanjit described the event as “like a mini Olympics” and the experience of a lifetime.
His efforts were rewarded with a bronze medal in the World Seniors Singles 75+ competition and a silver medal in the World Seniors Team 70+ event, an outstanding achievement and a testament to his perseverance, resilience and sporting spirit.
Reflecting on the experience, Sumanjit commented: “I don’t think I will ever do this again… but I am awfully glad that I did it this one time.”
Congratulations to Sumanjit on an inspiring achievement and for flying the flag for both India and the OM community on the world stage.