At 69, city bizman inspires next generation of table tennis players
Ashwani Goel is a city-based industrialist, who has achieved accolades in table tennis and has become an inspiration for budding players of Ludhiana.
Goel, who is a leading manufacturer and exporter of bicycles and its parts, is also the vice-president of the Ludhiana District Table Tennis Association.
The 69-year-old is so passionate about table tennis that he visits the stadium daily, without fail. He never takes a day off and despite his jam-packed schedule, he has been successful in striking a balance between his work and the sport.
In the recently concluded Punjab State Ranking Table Tennis Championship, Ashwani won the gold medal in the 64 plus category and a silver in the 59 plus category. He was applauded by budding players who also took part in the championship and expressed their desire to follow in the veteran’s footsteps.
Ashwani has been practicing the sport at the new table tennis hall near Rakh Bagh. Due to this passion and consistency, he has become a mentor for many young players who seek tips from him during practice.
Talking to The Tribune here on Thursday, Goel said he had been pursuing his passion for table tennis for the past over 14 years. “About 14 years ago, after I lost my wife, I faced a tough time. Some of my good friends forced me to take up a game so that I could keep myself busy and turn the page. Initially, I was not able to play table tennis very well, but with the passage of time I got better. Then, there was no looking back. Like people eat food everyday to survive, I play table tennis,” said Goel.
He said in the last 14 years, he had hardly missed a day of practice. Goel claimed that in 2024 and 2025, he won the gold medal in the 65 plus category in Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan consecutively. He also bagged the state championship in the 59 plus category. Similarly, he had won many gold and silver medals in various tournaments held across the state and country, he added.
“I do not remember how many trophies and medals are lying at my house. Thankfully, God has been always kind to me,” said the player.
Asked for how long he would continue to play, Goel replied, “Now this sport has become an important part of my life and I will continue for as long as I am able to.”
Ludhiana