Former Indian paddler and renowned coach Jayanta Pushilal (pictured above), known as ‘Botonda’, passed away at the age of 63 as a result of kidney failure. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian table tennis, where he carved out an illustrious career, his name synonymous with the sport. Despite his health challenges, Pushilal’s dedication to nurturing talent never wavered, making his legacy even more remarkable.
Recognition and awards
Jayant Pushilal was awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award last year. This accolade not only honoured his contributions to the sports community but also gave him a significant morale boost, reaffirming his lasting impact on table tennis.
Pushilal’s legacy extends beyond his achievements. His unique coaching methods and deep understanding of the game set him apart. Former students and colleagues frequently praised his ability to read games and provide insightful guidance, which greatly influenced their success.
India‘s table tennis Olympian Mouma Das expressed, “To me, he (Pushilal) was not a coach but more of a guardian, and whatever I am able to achieve today is because of him. I used to blindly follow sir’s instructions as he could read my rivals’ strengths and weaknesses so well and guide me accordingly.”
The table tennis community has expressed deep sorrow at Jayant Pushilal’s passing. Tributes from players, colleagues, and fans highlight his profound influence and the void his absence creates.
Early life and career
Jayanta Pushilal’s journey began in Kolkata, where he initially played at district level. His natural aptitude for the game soon led him to coaching. Over a span of 40 years, his tenure was marked by numerous achievements, including training over 15 national champions.
Pushilal’s influence is best reflected in the success of his trainees. Among them were Mouma Das, Arup Basak, Ambika Radhika Suresh, and Prapti Sen. Each of these athletes rose to prominence under his guidance, showcasing his ability to nurture and develop world-class talent.
He extended his expertise to the Kerala sports department and table tennis associations in the Maldives and Kazakhstan. His work abroad further showcased his commitment to the global table tennis community.
Despite his success, Pushilal’s life was marred by health issues, primarily his struggles with kidney ailments. Even as his health deteriorated, his commitment to coaching remained steadfast. Just months ago, when his past students arranged a felicitation programme.
He said, “I want a kidney transplant. I have more work to do in grooming and nurturing players.”
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