UTT ideal preparation for upcoming tourneys: Selena

“I will be participating in Korea (Korea Open) and Australia (Australian Open) next month. When you are in good touch and practising against some of the top talents in the world, it is indeed beneficial,” said Selena.

“There are quite a few experienced Indian and foreign players in our squad. This is one opportunity where I can learn something from them,” added the local lass.

Despite being part of the Oilmax-Stag Yoddhas franchise in the first edition of UTT (2017), the 18-year-old only warmed the benches as the team boasted of experienced players in Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem and Indian Manika Batra. 

Selena, who has shifted her allegiance to Maharashtra United, is not fazed by the lack of game-time but said she is more than satisfied to learn from her higher-ranked teammates. 

“I didn’t get to play matches as I certainly wasn’t the first-choice player in my team. I feel that will continue in this season as well but I am fine as long as I learn from those players,” asserted the Chennai-based paddler.

Speaking about her stint thus far with Maharashtra United, she added, “It’s going good. I get to practice with players from around the world during the tournament. They are very welcoming and talk to me freely. It’s been a nice journey until now.”  

Selena is rubbing shoulders with Commonwealth Games 2018 gold medallist Anthony Amalraj, Madhurika Patkar and Portuguese Joao Monteiro. Commenting on how her game has improved after sharing the dressing room with them, Selena remarked, “When you get to play with such talents, your stroke play obviously becomes quicker and there will be improvement in your execution of strokes. It also gives us confidence that we can play on par with foreigners.”  

She said the format of UTT is similar to that of T20 in cricket where games are won and lost in a moment. 

“It is carved in such a way that every point is important and you will have to fight for each one of it. Once you let loose, it’s hard to find your rhythm back,” opined Selena.