Massimo Costantini Exclusive: India's Table Tennis Guru depicts Mantra for Success, Prodigies, Vision

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Massimo Costantini, head expert of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) national teams, brought his global expertise to the WTT Vadodara Event 2026.

The Italian tactician, a former top player, outlined a pragmatic path for India to challenge table tennis powerhouses. From nurturing youth ambition to demanding smart support, his interview reveals a blueprint for Olympic success.

Building Ambition with Realistic Milestones

India's young players are proving themselves worldwide, but Costantini insists on emulation over empty dreams. He recalls his own drive: "My first goal was to do whatever my predecessor did-he was a national champion, so my idea was to be a national champion."

Like China and Japan, India must foster this mindset, the Italian reckons, which has been lacking in the Indian fold. He also states about being realistic at the nascent stages. India's sporting environment revolves around results, but Costantini believes time must be given to thrive.

"Why don't we start with achievable targets? Manav Thakkar at number 34 is a great example," he said. With steady progress, India's competing kids could deliver results in one or two generations.

Mastering Consistency and Smart Optimization

Olympic breakthroughs require overhauling everything-lifestyle, daily routines, and support systems. Costantini demands unwavering consistency, saying, "Too many times we have on-and-off work; we need steady 'on' work."

Travel doubles as elite training: players must spar better opponents abroad to compensate for limited home time. Skills should match true potential, not wishes-strengthen standouts like a strong backhand while pruning weaknesses. His core philosophy is subtracting unnecessary elements, like cutting milk or chicken from diets, to optimize performance rather than endlessly adding.

"Lastly, they have to be more skilled and to be more skilled, you have to learn what is your, your potential, not what your wish. The wish is something, your potential is something else."

Emerging Stars Ready to Shine

India's talent pool has deepened dramatically. In girls, Syndrela Das leads the charge as a third-generation specialist, and Costantini reckons India has numerous talents who will have to channelize their budding career in the right way.

"When you see the last one and a half year results, there are good players. Divyanshi Bhowmick is a third-generation player, Syndrela Das also. The key point is to build them for the next two years, and then we can think of something big. For the boys, Ankur is a top prodigy to look out for. So, there are some good players we can count on for the future."

Pushing for Resource Boost Without Strings

TTFI and government aid must expand unconditionally, as table tennis isn't India's top sport. More funds mean superior staff, facilities, and international exposure. "Support means I back you without asking anything in return," Costantini emphasized. "If you win medals, you don't need it-medals bring support everywhere."

He values the current backing from the Indian government and believes the TTFI is also managing the funds perfectly.

"I'm happy with what the government will give, is giving, and how the TTFI is managing. We work in a cooperative way, and we know that we have some obligations. My purpose in life is to be better and we work like that, so the money is not wasted."

Sports as a national "business card" justifies investment, ensuring no resources go to waste in the pursuit of excellence. Table Tennis has promised in the last few decades, but it has yet to provide the desired results. Manav Thakkar (ranked 34) and Sreeja Akula (ranked 39 in women's) are the flagbearers for India in the ITTF rankings, but the country requires a bigger leap in the coming years to be a serious contender for medals.