‘Sport a fantastic education’

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Five time world champion Peter Karlsson of Sweden interacts with budding paddlers at a coaching clinic in Faridabad on Tuesday.

Sweden’s five-time table tennis world champion Peter Karlsson imparted valuable lessons to city kids, in a three-day clinic that concluded on Tuesday. A joint effort by Manav Rachna Sports Academy and Stag Table Tennis for aspiring paddlers at the academy, saw Karlsson — also a six-time European champion — share his knowledge and expertise.

As many as 35 youngsters from all over the country took part in the clinic, which was a rare opportunity to hone their skills.
Explaining the technicalities of the game and briefing aspirants about real life pressures, Karlsson urged them to inculcate qualities required to become a good sportsman. He gave real life cases and strategies that could be encountered during the tournaments.
The Swede also pointed out the difference between a champion and an average player, saying it depended on one’s childhood and environment he grew up in.
According to Karlsson, an individual’s personality, his/her ability to interact with others, creativity and the ability to analyse different situations were also crucial elements that determined success at the international level.
“For me sport is not only winning or losing. Sport gives everyone a fantastic education from which they can benefit all their life.
“They can use this sport education in school, business and in any other work.
“Research has also shown that physical exercise gives you better results in studies, work and in fact in your whole life,” Karlsson said.