Indian paddlers must pick and choose events ahead of Oly qualifiers: former coach

Country's former table tennis coach Massimo Costantini has advised the Indian paddlers to pick and choose tournaments wisely ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualifiers.

Under the Italian, India had made rapid strides with historic performances at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Jakarta Asian Games, where the country ended a 60-year-wait for a table tennis medal.

However, Constantini had decided against renewing his contract last year citing personal reasons. Since his departure, Indian paddlers have been without the services of a national coach.

"Olympics is always very special. I think you have to analyse your opportunities and adopt a balance approach towards tournaments. Try to get the proper appetite and miss tournaments if the need be. They need to plan fitness and training well and strike the perfect balance," Constantini said on the sidelines of Ultimate Table Tennis league here.

"They have to combine the quantity of competition and performance. They must also prioritise .