A Japanese table tennis (TT) coach has become quite active in Bhubaneswar since August this year. He was dispatched by the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) for a term of two years. After falling in love with this wiff-waff sports, he has been cavorting with table tennis for the last 28 years that too when he was in his teens. The Japanese ping-pong lovers were overjoyed when Takuya Sakamoto emerged as third spot holder in the national high school selection tournament in Japan. This is Takuya’s second assignment as an international coach in a foreign country. The first time he was dispatched to Morocco in 2010. He taught Moroccans boys for about three years at a local club as a national team coach. A 16-year-old trainee of Takuya participated in the World Championship in Paris in 2013. Subsequently, he participated in the African Club Team Championship and the Arab Club Team Championship as a Moroccan national team player. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Takuya owes everything to her mother, who herself is an international TT player even at her age of 67. The elegant style of Takuya, his strong footwork, robust backhand, his subtle variations, service, chop block in this lyrical game of legs and pace is awesome and amazing indeed! In an interview to The Pioneer, Sakamoto spoke to Sugyan Choudhury at his Sahid Nagar table tennis courtyard while he was frisking and frolicking with his trainee students.
What does your name Takuya mean in Japanese language?
Taku means table tennis and ya means boy. The meaning of my name is ‘Table Tennis Boy’.
Who gave you this name?
My parents gave me this name because my mother herself is a TT player having represented Japan in international tournaments. Today even at the age of 67, she plays TT every week and participates in national events. She is very passionate about this game.
So you have TT in your genes.
In a way, yes; I believe so.
What’s the contribution of your mother in shaping you as a player and a coach?
I learnt many things about TT from her. What I am today would not have been possible without her. However, she was a pen holder player and I didn’t have a coach. So, I studied modern European and Chinese shake hand plays by videos. This experience is useful for teaching now.
Any similarity between the people of Japan and the people of Odisha?
Both are peace-loving. Both are fond of rice and fish.
To what extent fish and rice as food help in the game of TT?
Only fish and rice are not enough to produce international players. We have to follow the advice of sports dieticians in this matter because physical fitness is very vital in winning over tough opponents.
You were in Morocco for three years as their national coach. What’s the standard of young players in Odisha compared to their Moroccan counterparts?
The standards are the same. But players in Odisha, especially young ones, show great promise for a bright future because they are very hard working and have great zeal for learning both fundamentals and new techniques.
You are already 38 years of age. Are you planning to get married?
I am already married to TT. I am happy with this single marriage now. But I want to get married after returning to Japan two years later. Because teaching TT to my future son and daughter is also my dream.
What is it that makes you different from other coaches?
I love my students; I do not have ego. That is what makes both the coach charismatic and students comfortable which in turn makes the learning process enjoyable and receptive.
It is said a Japanese wants to be born in India in his next birth because Gautam Buddha was born here? Is it a fact?
Although I think it is not a fact, nobody knows the mind of people. However, Buddha is greatly respected and worshipped in Japan.
What is Japanese patriotism?
It is not that Japanese people are the best among the humans. But whatever is produced in Japan is the best in the world qualitatively. And they are proud of the beauty of four seasons in Japan and their unique culture.
What fascinates you most in Odisha?
The simplicity of its hospitable people and the beauty of its green look of trees that makes me forget where I have come from. I am from Osaka and am an ambassador for international cooperation to this city. I think people who are active at festivals and bustle in Odisha resemble Osaka.
How much satisfaction you get from this assignment as a coach?
Onagawa town where I worked as a town’s press officer for last five years is known to have been supported by 46 Indians rescue team after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Thanks to support from all over the world, the town is gradually rebuilding. However, Odisha was also damaged by a cyclone in May this year. So, I feel that teaching table tennis in India is a kind of service returned to India even if it is not of that magnitude.
In recognition of your contribution in Morocco, you were given an opportunity to meet former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. What did they say?
I was very nervous, but they appreciated my work with their inspirational words. I was thrilled with joy. It was a great honour and the most memorable moment for me.
How tall is suitable for table tennis? Do Japanese and Chinese heights help them play?
In my opinion, because of the size of ball, 175 cm to 178 cm is the best for men. World champion Ma Long and almost all Chinese national team members are just that tall. In the case of women, Asians are not so tall and Japanese are particularly short players. However, this handicap is covered by the speed of movement and hitting the ball on the rise. It is by sheer dint of effort.