Table Tennis star scores India scholarship
The future looks bright for former Junior Table Tennis National team player Phetso Jack after he secured a scholarship from India Council and Cultural Relations (ICCR) to study for a Bachelor of Technology at Delhi Technological University in October.
The 19-year-old r Bachelor of Physical Education second-year student at the University of Botswana is currently ranked 19th in the country, a drop of 11 places from last year’s eighth rank.
Jack told Voice Sport that he is aware that his rankings took a dramatic fall, something he says will motivate him to work even harder.
“Honestly, I did not perform to my level this year, but I can only get better,” said the youngster.
“I’m really excited about this scholarship, which has given me an opportunity to study, at the same time develop as a table tennis player. It is in line with my dream of becoming a top player in the world,” he told Voice Sport.
The youngster said he has no regrets about quitting his journey at UB half way tom pursue his table tennis passion.
“I’m going to pause my UB studies and go live the Indian dream,” he added with a chuckle.
Jack’s Indian academic schedule commences at the end of October and while he’s still sorting out his travel arrangements he’ll briefly do the coursework online.
Shedding more light on the criteria used to award the scholarship, Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) Development Officer Katlego Nkwakweng said players aged under 21 were asked to submit their applications.
“We invited all who have accumulated 36 points and above in their Botswana General Certificate Secondary Education (BGCSE) and Jack got the nod,” she said.
Nkwakweng further expressed her delight about the opportunity presented to their player.
“We are excited for the young lad as he will be killing two birds with one stone. He’ll get the education which is a necessity and get exposure with regard to table tennis and be able to add value to our national team as time progresses,” she said.
Furthermore, Nkwakweng said they would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Indian High Commission in Botswana for offering a scholarship to one player every year as per the agreement reached this year.
“Jack is the first beneficiary and this initiative will surely improve the standard of table tennis in the country,” said Nkwakweng.