\u201cWe are coming from a very important tournament and a good training camp in China over the last month. The players are well-prepared, and now we have to deploy our strategies once we know our opponents. Finishing fourth last year and winning bronze gives us a direct entry into the quarterfinals, so making a medal will depend on one crucial match,\u201d Constantini said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added, \u201cOur opponents like Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong are traditionally strong, but India is steadily gaining ground in Asia. If we perform well here, it reflects our potential to do well globally \u2014 even in the Olympics. With a renewed young squad, I expect a strong performance.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Praising the event\u2019s organisation and Odisha\u2019s sports development, Constantini remarked, \u201cI already said in the press conference that Odisha is investing a lot in sports, which I warmly welcome. Investing in sports means investing in the future. We cannot expect results without proper infrastructure and training facilities. Odisha has created an ideal environment for sports to thrive - I would call it a \u2018citadel of sports.\u2019 I\u2019m honored and happy to be here and hope the Indian team responds with its best performance.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added, \u201cOur opponents like Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong are traditionally strong, but India is steadily gaining ground in Asia. If we perform well here, it reflects our potential to do well globally \u2014 even in the Olympics. With a renewed young squad, I expect a strong performance.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This is the first time Odisha is hosting a table tennis event at the Asian level, although the state previously hosted the 2019 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. Bhubaneswar, having hosted several major sporting events in recent years, is also recognised as India\u2019s sports capital.<\/p>\r\n\r\n