Ankur Bhattacharjee, a young table tennis player hailing from Bengal, is rapidly making a name for himself in the Indian sporting arena. The 18-year-old's journey is fueled by a passion for the game, an unwavering determination to succeed, and inspiration drawn from none other than Virat Kohli's aggression and Hardik Pandya's resilience.
Bhattacharjee's admiration for Virat Kohli extends beyond the cricket field. He sees Kohli's aggressive approach to the game as a quality he wants to emulate in his own sport. Similarly, he is inspired by Hardik Pandya's mental strength and ability to perform under pressure. Bhattacharjee actively tries to incorporate these attributes into his table tennis game, striving to become a mentally and emotionally strong player.
Interestingly, table tennis wasn't Ankur's first sporting love. He initially harbored dreams of becoming a cricketer. However, due to financial constraints and the fact that both his parents were national-level table tennis players, he was encouraged to pursue table tennis. His mother played a significant role in this decision, pointing out that table tennis was a less common sport than cricket, offering more opportunities. What started as a parental suggestion soon turned into a passion, and Ankur dedicated himself to the sport.
His dedication and hard work have yielded impressive results. Bhattacharjee has been a dominant force in the junior circuit, winning the Under-19 boys' singles title at the Youth National Championships for three consecutive years. He has also secured three consecutive bronze medals at the Junior Asian Championships. In the recently concluded 86th Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships, he achieved a golden hat-trick, winning gold medals in the U-19 boys' singles, doubles, and team events. In December 2024, he clinched a 'double' claiming the men's and U-19 boys' titles in the National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Bengaluru.
Bhattacharjee is aware of the challenges that lie ahead as he transitions to the senior level. He acknowledges the difference in the level of competition between the junior and senior circuits. However, he is confident that his experience of competing against top senior players will serve him well. He has already had the opportunity to play with and against some of India's best, including G Sathiyan and Sharath Kamal.
Currently, Ankur is participating in the Ultimate Table Tennis League (UTT) for the Kolkata Thunder Blades. He recognizes the UTT as a significant platform for young players, providing them with valuable exposure and opportunities to improve their game. He feels that his team is strong this year and is optimistic about their chances of winning the title.
Looking ahead, Bhattacharjee has set ambitious goals for himself. He aims to win a medal for India at the Asian Championships in Bhubaneswar and ultimately aspires to win a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He is also focused on improving his world ranking and establishing himself as a top player in the senior category.
Besides his sporting talent, Ankur also has a creative side. He writes poems in Bengali, a passion he inherited from his grandfather, who was a poet. While he doesn't get much time to write these days, he tries to pursue his literary interests whenever he can.
Ankur Bhattacharjee's journey is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and the influence of his idols. With his aggressive style of play, mental fortitude, and unwavering determination, he is well on his way to making Bengal and India proud on the international stage.
