Panjim Table Tennis Club felicitated Goa’s emerging table tennis coach Rutuj Sonawane with its Young Sports Achievers Award, instituted to recognise and honour Goan talents who have excelled in sports and contributed meaningfully to the development and promotion of their discipline.
A former state-level player and No.1 ranked paddler in Goa from 2018 to 2020, Rutuj has successfully transitioned into coaching, building a strong profile through both domestic and international exposure. He has served as a state team coach for Goa at the National Championship, coached at St. Britto’s High School, Mapusa, and gained international experience at the Dudley & Sandwell Table Tennis Club in the United Kingdom (2022–2023). He is currently working as a coach at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai.
Rutuj successfully completed his NIS Diploma at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata, where he worked under reputed international coaches while training top players such as Sandika Bhattacharjee, Vartica Bharat, Parth Prabhakar, Shankadeep Das, and Goa’s Shantesh Mapsekar, a former India No.2 ranked cadet player. Speaking on the occasion, Rutuj said his aim is to contribute towards developing young players through structured coaching and modern training methods.
Mayur Sawkar, Vice President of the Goa Table Tennis Association, stressed the need to build opportunities within the State. “We must create the right opportunities in Goa so that capable coaches can grow here itself without needing to go outside,” he said. Ajit Ghantkar highlighted Rutuj’s qualities, stating, “He is punctual, disciplined, and committed – values that are essential in a coach and naturally get passed on to players.”
Sandeep Heble, Vice-President of Panjim TT Club, pointed towards evolving career paths in sports. “Coaching today is a strong career option, and it’s encouraging to see young players like Rutuj taking it up.”
Meanwhile, the Panjim TT club has announced a series of Table Tennis developmental initiatives including Summer Coaching Camps in April and May 2026, quarterly talent search tournaments, a league team championship, and grassroots training programs across schools in Tiswadi. Those interested may contact Club Secretary and coach Selvyn Godinho (9561645669) for further details.
