A Stylish lefthander top spin player that he is, Prakash kelkar ( popularly Known as PG) has retained his form at the competitive level for the past several years. A Former national level Table Tennis player, Prakash represented Maharashtra state team during 80s and early 90s. Even today, in the Veterans’ event, he plays with almost the same speed, enthusiasm and spirit, which he displayed in 80s and 90s.
Prakash Kelkar
Now, this is his 50th year of active table tennis and in the Veterans 60 + section, he is the top ranked player not only in Maharashtra but at the National level for the past two years. Last year, he won the South Asian veterans TT Championship at Colombo, Sri Lanka, besides winning the Veterans State and National Championship. Prakash has also proven his supremacy in the Veterans 40 + section in MSDTTA Ranking tournament last year at JVPG Club, when he lifted the trophy in this group. During the past several years, Prakash has helped his Maharashtra Veterans teams in the age groups of 40+, 50+ to win many National Championships .And, now in 60+ group he has maintained his form.
Prakash with his former Bank of India team captain Suhas Kulkarni
Magzmumbai met Prakash Kelkar to wish him all success in the forthcoming World Veterans TT Championship scheduled to begin from 18th June 2018 at Las Vegas USA. He was practising hard at PJ Hindu Gymkhana and was more than happy to receive our good wishes. When he was asked about his chances in this World Championship, he quickly reacted, “I am seriously looking forward to win the World Veterans’ TT Championship. At the last World Veterans Championship at Spain, I lost in the pre quarter finals with good performance. I have been practicing very hard for this championship doing a lot of work out in the Gym, for which my Gymkhana has offered special facilities.” And this shows his confidence, as it is not that easy to even enter last 16 in this
Prakash with his PJ Hindu Gymkhana TT friends Abhay Mehta & Ulhas Shirke
championship.
After returning from the last World Veterans Championship, Prakash has shown tremendous progress in this game, winning almost all the Veterans tournaments in 59+ group. Last year, he even won the 39+ championship at JVPD open TT tournament, which is creditable. Talking about his achievements during the past two years, he said, “ My performance at the state and national level in my 59+ age group has been very satisfying, having won the State and National championship during the past two years. Last year, I also won the South Asian Championship which was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, bagging Gold for India in the team event and winning individual Singles Trophy.”
Then reminiscing the days when as a twelve year old child, he turned emotional. “I began playing table tennis leisurely at the nearby club MLWB. Those days, I never had my own bat and the game of top spin was popularising at that time. Being a part of a joint family with 5 brothers and a sister, I didn’t dare to ask for a new bat from my father. So, I started playing with an old bat used by my seniors . My actual progress in table tennis began when as a 21 year old I took up my first job in India Government Mint. But, there was no TT table in my office. So, after my duty hours, I used to visit the Reserve Bank of India Sports Club, Fort , South Mumbai, which was just on opposite my office. And here, I met a good Samaritan in Vilas Mantri then Captain of RBI team, who welcomed me and my friend and doubles partner Arun Rane to play with him and his team members regularly. My practice sessions in RBI Sports Club helped me to improve my game further, which also helped me to get a job in BMC. Soon, I received an offer from Bank of India on sports merit . In the meanwhile, I also received membership of P.J. Hindu Gymkhana the most prestigious Gymkhana in South Mumbai. Thanks to former International TT player Late Dilip Sampat, who was then President of this Gymkhana. I served Bank of India for 33 years . Now that I have retired from my job I would like to focus my attention on my Veterans TT tournaments and as I said earlier, I am looking forward to give my best at the forthcoming World veterans TT Championship to be held in Las Vegas few days from now.”
Prakash will be leaving Mumbai for USA on the 16th early morning and we wish him a grand success.