"The first objective is to get them in the top 20 consistently" - Massimo on the plan ahead for Indian table tennis

Massimo Costantini is a paddler who needs no introduction. The new head coach of the Indian table tennis team played for Italy at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and has represented his country in the sport for countless years.

The 66-year-old is not a new face in Indian table tennis either and has previously coached the Indian team on two occasions, from 2009 to 2010 and from 2016 to 2018. During this period, India won a record eight medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and two bronze medals at the 2018 Asian Games.

In an exclusive interview with Sportkeeda, Massimo shared his insights on the changes he observed in Indian table tennis since his last stint in India. He also shared his ambitious vision for the table tennis team, particularly focusing on the major events in 2025-2026 and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Massimo emphasized the importance of consistent top-tier performance as a key ingredient in the recipe for Olympic success.

“An Olympic cycle is very short. If we check all the stats from all the medalists in the last Olympics, starting from 1988, they all had a strong background in being among the top 10 players in the world,” he said.

He also added that he aims to get the Indian paddlers in the top 20 in the next couple of years.

“So I think in the next 2025, 2026, the first objective is to get them in the top 20 consistently and grab position, and then you have the feeling, okay, I'm one of the 10, not one of the 50," he explained.

His plan is designed to take the Indian paddlers from being mere contenders to strong competitors within the top ranks, fighting for Olympic medals.

“If we achieve this within one or two years, 2028, we can expect [a medal], actually was my prediction when I was here in 2016. My roadmap for 2028 was to win one medal in the Olympics, but that was my prediction in 2016. So let's see, let's go one by one, and then we'll see what will come.” Massimo said.

Looking ahead, Massimo hopes he can make an impact and is optimistic about the effectiveness of current training routines and is happy with the results it has yielded so far.

“I hope I can make a good impact. So far, so good. I mean, the training was successful. The three tournaments were extremely positive in every aspect. So, I hope that we can continue with this kind of mode, let's say. And when we are there, things will change a lot,” he said.

Among the crucial competitions on the horizon are the Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for 2026. Massimo highlighted these tournaments as important goals for the Indian paddlers for the next few years.

“We will definitely have some mandatory [training sessions], let's say, the goal, the Asian Championships, or in 2026, we have three important competitions, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Youth Olympic Games. So, these are the three that we have two years to prepare, to review the team, to understand what kind of competitiveness we can put together,” he said.

"In my mind, I already have the plan. I didn't put it on paper because I want to focus a little more on the Olympics. But maybe during the UTT, I will spend some time here to enjoy their training, their competition, and their environment. It will be a good opportunity to discuss with them for 2024, 2025, and beyond," he revealed.

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“Yeah, that [their positive change in attitude] is the main thing that I noticed” - Massimo on the changes since his last stint as India’s head coach

Reflecting on the differences since his last tenure as India’s head coach, Massimo said he saw a positive change in the players’ attitude and willingness to learn and improve. He also emphasized the need for players to focus on their strengths rather than their opponent's weaknesses.

“Yeah, that [their positive change in attitude] is the main thing that I noticed because, from the table tennis skills, I think they keep doing the same things,” he said.

“Sometimes they need to work to reinforce their feeling of potential. Sometimes we are too focused on the opponent's potential, and we forget our potential. So, all the energies, all the things, all the mental power go thinking about the opponent. And this we have to shift back to us," he added.

"I mean, when I'm there coaching, I don't even think of the opponent. I think how my player can utilize the skills and the potential. So, I need them to improve this kind of awareness. So, this one is a project we can work for and I think can make a big difference in the near and a little far away future,” he explained.

Recalling his training methods from 2016, Massimo highlighted the inclusive and inspirational environment he created by integrating players of various age groups. The approach, he believes, played a significant role in motivating young players and fostering a sense of ambition and determination.

“You know, when I was here in 2016, my training camps were global. Global means that we had under 13, under 19, under 21, and senior all together. Now, for some of the players around, that time was extremely important to be next table with Sharath. Sharath's training with one player; next table I have one 13, 14-year-old [player]. So can you imagine this player, what kind of imagination and enthusiasm, from playing on the same table, exchange some words with their idols,” he said.

“So, what better opportunity for the youth to be in this environment. Makes them think, Oh, I want to be like him. I want to be there. I want to achieve this. Because internally they discuss, they talk. Oh, I did this, I did that. And then in the kid's imagination, this is the spring that makes a player change. It's not only to win; it's also to live an experience. And this is what is the best experience for them. It's super valuable, and I hope they treasure it. They treasure this because if they don't treasure, they miss an opportunity,” he concluded.