Table tennis champions win AIC Challengers’ Cup

Congratulations to the latest winners of AIC’s table tennis tournament, the AIC Challengers’ Cup 4.0. Three winners were crowned across three leagues.

Beginners' League winner - Lanisha Shrestha

Intermediate League winner - Yax Avaiya

Advanced League winner - Sunil Dubba

Organiser Digvijit Kaul interviewed each winner about their experience in the tournament.

Lanisha Shrestha

What first drew you to table tennis, and how has your passion for the game evolved over the years?

 I played table tennis casually after school, as I’ve always enjoyed sports, both indoor and outdoor. Whenever I had the chance, I played with friends and family. Discovering table tennis at college (Future Skills) reminded me of my childhood and made me very happy. I started playing regularly, which lifted my mood and kept me energetic. That’s how my interest in this sport grew, and I feel privileged to participate in this competition. This is also my first official table tennis tournament.

In your opinion, what makes table tennis such a unique and exciting sport compared to others?

Table tennis is widely played around the world because of its fast-paced and exciting nature. Its rules create a competitive environment while keeping the game enjoyable. It can be played solo or with a partner, and is flexible and portable, requiring only a small space. While other sports are also unique, table tennis has its own distinct appeal.

Can you walk us through your mental and physical preparation before a big tournament match?

Before a match, I focus on having a strong mindset and giving my best based on my practice. Staying positive and enjoying the game is equally important to me.

Which match during the tournament was the toughest for you, and why?

 I felt a little nervous before every match, but once I started playing, I enjoyed every game with my fellow players. I wouldn’t call any match “tough”; instead, each was an opportunity to compete with great players.

Was there a specific strategy or playing style you relied on throughout the tournament?

I’m always learning with every game. My approach is to go with the flow while maintaining focus on the match.

How do you handle high-pressure moments in a match, and what advice would you give to someone new to the game when facing a tough opponent?

 It’s important not to underestimate any opponent, even if you feel confident. Staying calm and focused throughout the game helps you perform your best.

We introduced three separate league matches for the first time. What are your thoughts on this?

I think it’s a great opportunity to create fairness among players by grouping them according to skill level. This approach encourages more participation and ensures the competition is fair for everyone.

What was going through your mind during the final match, and how did it feel when you realized you had won your league?

 I was happy to reach the final but also a bit nervous, as my opponent was tough. I focused, stayed calm, and tried to play my best. Winning felt amazing, and I shared my joy with my parents back home. It was a truly joyful moment.

If you had to describe your playing style in three words, what would they be?

Focus, Positive Mindset.

What advice would you give to students who want to participate in the next AIC Table Tennis tournament?

It’s simple to take part in this tournament. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to explore yourself beyond academics.

Sunil Dubba

What first drew you to table tennis, and how has your passion for the game evolved over the years?

The first time I saw table tennis was during my school days. The speed, precision, and quick reflexes involved in the game immediately intrigued me. The moment I started playing, I developed a strong liking for it, and over time, that interest grew into a deep passion. During my college years, I spent a significant amount of time practicing and playing the sport—sometimes even skipping classes just to play table tennis. Initially, my physical education teacher scolded me for bunking classes, but later he recognized my dedication and passion for the game. He began guiding me and helped train me for competitions. With his support, I represented my college in several tournaments and even managed to give tough competition to experienced and professional players.

In your opinion, what makes table tennis such a unique and exciting sport compared to others?

For me, the most exciting aspect of table tennis is the fast-paced rallies that move rapidly from one end of the table to the other. The sport requires precision, quick reflexes, and strategic placement of the ball. Even a small mistake can change the outcome of a point, which makes every rally intense and unpredictable. This combination of speed, skill, and strategy makes table tennis a unique and thrilling sport.

Can you walk us through your mental and physical preparation before a big tournament match?

Before an important match, I focus on staying calm and composed. Mentally, I try to avoid overthinking and instead concentrate on the basics of the game. Physically, I warm up by playing a few rallies to get comfortable with the pace and rhythm of the table. I also practice different types of serves and returns to prepare myself for different game situations. This routine helps me build confidence and enter the match with the right mindset.

Which match during the tournament was the toughest for you, and why?

The final match was the most challenging for me. My opponent, Rajiv, was playing extremely well and constantly putting pressure on me. At several points in the match, I made unforced errors by hitting the ball into the net or off the table. The intensity of the final and the skill of my opponent made it a very competitive and mentally demanding match.

Was there a specific strategy or playing style that you relied on throughout the tournament?

Throughout the tournament, I mainly relied on a defensive playing style using spin and chop techniques. Due to limited playing space, aggressive attacking shots were difficult to execute consistently. Therefore, I focused on controlling the rallies, using spin variations, and forcing my opponent to make mistakes.

How do you handle high-pressure moments in a match, and what advice would you give to someone new to the game when facing a tough opponent?

One of the most memorable high-pressure moments occurred during a quarterfinal match against a professional player from a rival college. The tournament was being held at my own college, which added extra pressure because the home crowd was watching and cheering. In the final deciding set, I was trailing 5–10, which meant my opponent needed only one more point to win. I was making several unforced errors at that stage.

I decided to take a time-out to reset my mindset and rethink my strategy. I reminded myself to focus on my strengths and only attack the ball when it came into my comfort zone. I began taking one point at a time while staying calm despite the loud cheering from the crowd. Slowly, I gained momentum, took the match to deuce, and eventually won 13–11.

After the victory, my friends lifted me in celebration, and it became one of the most memorable moments of my sporting journey. My advice to new players is to focus on one point at a time, identify your strengths, and remain calm under pressure. If needed, take a time-out to reset your strategy. Most importantly, enjoy the game and believe in yourself—because a comeback is always possible.

We introduced three separate league matches for the first time. What are your thoughts on this?

I think this was a fantastic initiative. Having separate leagues allows players of different skill levels to compete fairly and confidently. It gives beginners, intermediate players, and advanced players equal opportunities to participate and improve. This format also motivates more students to join the tournament and helps them understand where they currently stand in terms of skill level.

What was going through your mind during the final match, and how did it feel when you realized you had won your league?

Playing in a final always comes with pressure. As you progress through the tournament—especially in the advanced league—the level of competition becomes higher. By the time a player reaches the final, they have already defeated several strong opponents, so you know you are facing someone very capable. During the match, I focused on staying calm and playing my natural game. When I finally realized that I had won the league, it was an incredibly satisfying and rewarding moment. All the hard work, practice, and dedication finally paid off.

If you had to describe your playing style in three words, what would they be?

Defensive, strategic, and patient.

I rely heavily on spin control and rally management, waiting for the right opportunity to attack rather than rushing points.

What advice would you give to students who want to participate in the next AIC Table Tennis tournament?

My advice to students is to start practicing early and focus on building strong fundamentals such as footwork, consistency, and serve control. Do not be afraid to participate even if you are a beginner—the tournament is a great opportunity to learn and improve. Watching experienced players and playing against stronger opponents will help you grow quickly. Most importantly, enjoy the game, stay disciplined in your practice, and maintain a positive mindset during matches.

Yax Avaiya

What first drew you to table tennis, and how has your passion for the game evolved over the years?

When I was a kid, I was very fond of games, and one day my parents took me to a place near my home where they played badminton, and I played tennis. It was fun, I liked that game. Later, when I turned a bit older, I was introduced to table tennis by a friend, and that’s when I liked it more than tennis. Over a few years, my passion for table tennis has grown.

In your opinion, what makes table tennis such a unique and exciting sport compared to others?

Table tennis is unique and exciting in many ways; it needs high focus and precise eye contact with the ball and player. It is very fast-paced.

Can you walk us through your mental and physical preparation before a big tournament match?

I am an enthusiastic player. Physically, I prepare myself in such a way that I don’t lose focus, improve my reflexes, and mentally, I stay calm.

Which match during the tournament was the toughest for you, and why?

The semi-final was the toughest as I had a strong opponent.

Was there a specific strategy or playing style you relied on throughout the tournament?

Not specifically, I was just prepared well. I wanted to give my best.

How do you handle high-pressure moments in a match, and what advice would you give to someone new to the game when facing a tough opponent?

I’d say to stay calm rather than rushing. Prepare yourself well physically so that your reflexes are stronger.

We introduced three separate league matches for the first time. What are your thoughts on this?

I think that’s a good idea. This is my first year here, and I see a lot of students are engaging. I also heard that this is the first time that sports clubs are this active. I think it’s a good initiative.

What was going through your mind during the final match, and how did it feel when you realized you had won your league?

To be honest, I was ready for everything. It doesn’t matter to me if I win or lose; I only wanted to give my best, and that I did. Fortunately, I won.

If you had to describe your playing style in three words, what would they be?

Fast, controlled, and competitive.

What advice would you give to students who want to participate in the next AIC Table Tennis tournament?

I would say just relax your mind and body, this isn’t a war, it’s a sport, and just give your best. Your preparation will reward you. It doesn’t matter if you lose or win. With your studies, it is good to participate in such activities.