Ping Pong

Few weeks back, A team outing was planned to play Ping Pong. By name it may sound like some childish game, but it is another name of Table Tennis in United States. Usually like any other sport, I was excited towards playing. But the reality was, last time when I had TT bat in my hand was around 8 years ago. This event gave me chance to reminisce about my past TT affair.

There was no infrastructure for TT(read any sport except cricket which we played after bunking classes) till 12th class. In first year of engineering college, when we were sealed in Tagore Hostel, we had nothing but two TT Tables in hostel common room. Looking at few guys' amazing TT skills, I was intrigued towards this game.

Getting chance to play, is almost negligible considering number of people vs two TT tables. Luckily My roommate was selected as Common Room in-charge. As a result, he had common room key in his possession. We determined 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM timing to play, when no one is around. Though officially common room closing time was 11 PM, We used to take keys from his drawer and enjoy few hours of TT undisturbed. My skill level in TT improved from novice to average. :)

Next year, common room was far from my room and we did not have keys, so slowly I lost interest in TT. Also I spent more time in playing cricket. Last time I played TT is sometime in second year 2001 or 2002.

Back to outing, 4 tables were reserved in New York Ping Pong Association. I played my first match with a guy named Bruce. He was good at spinning the ball. I was playing after 8 years so I was finding it difficult to control the ball. He was leading 15-9 or something, but I came back and won that game. After that I won 5 out of 5 games. Quality of opposition was not excellent but not too bad either. Mohammad was best player out there, but somehow I won 2 matches against him. Score line was 21-19 for both. Usually I play better in tight situations.

It was a nice outing. Thanks to Nadeem. It reminded me about my TT passion in my college first year. Someone else was selected winner. But that was ok, since winner had to bring munchkins for everyone.