Aiming for a gold medal, Chandigarh lad Rohit Dhiman is gearing up to represent India in the upcoming Soft Tennis Asian Championship, Thailand, which will be held in August. Hoping that the Covid-19 restrictions ease up, Dhiman is eager to showcase his talent on the court again and make his country proud.
The 23-year-old has participated at various international platforms, such as the Asian Games (Jakarta, 2018), World Junior Soft Tennis Championship (Korea, 2018) and Korea Cup International Soft Tennis Tournament (2018) to name a few.
For those who are unfamiliar with the game, soft tennis is played with a softer rubber ball and a lighter racket than those used in lawn tennis. Like regular tennis, it is played by individuals (singles) or pairs (doubles), whose object is to hit the ball over the net, landing within the confines of the court, with the aim of preventing one’s opponent from being able to hit it back.
Born and brought up in Chandigarh, Rohit did his schooling from Shishu Niketan Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 22. A graduate from Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11, he is currently pursuing Bachelor of Law from Chandigarh University. Let’s get to know more about him:
When and how were you introduced to this game?
I was a tennis player and was introduced to soft tennis in 2010 by my father, who was an international-level baseball player. I tried my luck in the U-15 Sub-junior Nationals, which was my first tournament and lost it. I was a little bit disappointed and embarrassed but it also motivated me to do well. After that, I began practicing the game for 2-3 hours daily and in the next U-15 tournament, I succeeded as I won two bronze medals.
From there, the rest was history and I focussed on the game. I also managed to get selected for Asian Games in 2014 when I was just 17-year-old to represent our country. But sadly, due to some issues, no team was sent from India for that tournament.
What was your daily schedule before and during the lockdown?
Before the lockdown, I had a hectic schedule. I used to dedicate two hours in the morning to my fitness, then attend my classes and practice the game in the evening for two hours.
I slowly got back to my previous levels of fitness when the restrictions eased as the lockdown had its own challenges. I continued with my fitness sessions and classes, but it was difficult to go out and practice.
Any upcoming tournament that you are preparing for?
I am preparing for the Asian Championship in Thailand, which will be held in August this year and then I aim for the top spot in the Asian Games 2022.
What was the highest point in your career?
Asian Games in Jakarta, 2018, was a dream come true for me as I got the opportunity to represent my country. The World Championship, India, (2015) and 2019 in China also hold a special place in my heart.
How is the atmosphere at these tournaments?
It is a great experience as we get to interact with players from all over the world and there is a lot to learn. The tournaments are competitive but the participants are friendly.
Who are your idols in sports?
In soft tennis, there is a South Korean player Kim Dong-hoon and overall, I am a fan of tennis star Roger Federer.
If not soft tennis, then which game would you have opted for?
I would say badminton, as it is similar to tennis. I prefer individual games as they are based on the performance of a person. The harder you work, the higher you go.
Do you have anxiety before the matches?
It depends on the type of match that I am going to play. If I have to retain my place in a tournament, then yes, I do get some butterflies in my stomach. Otherwise, I feel free and play without any pressure.
How do you describe yourself as player?
I am a calm and composed player. I don’t create any ruckus on the court and if I win or lose, I have the same reaction.
What are your favourite movies?
Shutter Island and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
What made you pursue law?
My decision is based on various reasons, such as sports, career and money. I wanted to make a practical choice. I have seen lawyers in my family – their lifestyle and routine. So I was motivated by this idea and slowly got interested. It is powerful profession where one can learn a lot and feel secure. I do aim to become a successful criminal corporate lawyer. I will also try to crack judiciary.
What is the level of soft tennis in India? Are there any benefits that you are deprived of?
The number of players is slowly increasing in this game. Players shift from tennis to soft tennis because there are more opportunities here and as the game is still growing, there is less competition.
We are getting the benefits, but the growth curve is slow. It is not like other games, such as cricket. When I started playing, there was nothing.
But now, we are getting admissions, cash awards and scholarships from educational institutes and being recognised.
