Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa State ranked table tennis player Gautam Wadkar has successfully completed a six week NIS Certification Course in Table Tennis in West Bengal, marking an important step in his transition towards coaching and grassroots development.
Wadkar, who continues to compete at the state level, represented Goa at the UTT 87th Senior National and Inter State Table Tennis Championships held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, from March 14 to 21, 2026.
His coaching journey began after joining the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Goa in 2023. Over the past two years, he has developed his coaching skills while assisting the centre’s Head Coach. The experience has also contributed to his development as a player, giving him an opportunity to understand the technical and tactical aspects of the sport from a coaching perspective.
Wadkar now aims to use his experience and newly acquired certification to help develop young players across Goa. His focus is on grassroots training and creating a larger pool of competitive table tennis players who can represent the state at higher levels.
The Goa table tennis fraternity has welcomed his achievement, with Goa Table Tennis Association Vice President and North Goa District Table Tennis Council President Mayur Sawkar congratulating Wadkar on completing the course.
Wadkar’s commitment has also been highlighted as an example for young athletes. His regular travel from Pernem to attend training and coaching responsibilities has reflected his determination to pursue the sport despite the challenges involved.
With formal coaching training now added to his playing experience, Wadkar hopes to take on a greater role in developing the next generation of table tennis talent in Goa.
