For the CBSE CLUSTER II TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT 2024 - Exposure matters a lot in life and that is the reason I took them to Kolkata.

They knew they will have tough opponents and it will not be easy to reach the top, but they wanted to participate in the CBSE Cluster Table Tennis Tournament, because this is the last chance for them and they wanted to give their best. Since it was being hosted in Kolkata, going there involved some careful planning and bigger expenditure. Usually any tournament happens in our city, he has my permission to attend, because earlier I used to go with him, but now a days, he goes by himself by booking auto in Ola / Uber. Since this involved his first train journey, I asked him to book the tickets under my guidance so that he learns the process. This had to be done 3 weeks back, as there are lot of trains available. Then they wanted to print jersey for their team, and we had to spent good amount of time and money to find the right t-shirt, correct sizes for all, the vendor, and get it done, guiding them all along over last two weeks. Couple of jerseys had the logo issue and we had to go back twice to fix that, spending more than the cost. The kids were angry, but then you don't get perfection everywhere - patience and acceptance is the only choice. Every place is not like Dad's mess, where you get what you want.

After reaching Kolkata, getting up at 5 am and getting ready to reach the venue before 8 was not easy.

Thanks to the cook from the guest house who served bread toast with butter/jam with tea at 5.30 am. You won't get food at that time anywhere except railway station probably. I was like a coach to the kids, dragging them to reach before time. And the kids experienced what it takes to travel in Metro - it took more than a hour even though it was so early in the morning.

The venue Asian International School in on the outskirts on National Highway 6 near Dhulagori and the driver being local, we did not have much difficulty reaching there. On arrival, two of their team mates, who were staying in the school premises along with the coach, came to take us in.

I know most of the coaches, as being a regular visitor to these events, so joined them on a tea break, allowing the kids to go for practice.

This helped them to get acquainted with the table condition, the ambience and then take a break at the room where their friends were staying.

The school provided all these cushions, allowing them to stay in the classrooms and the best part was the rooms were having AC, saving the kids from scorching heat. Reminded me our time, when we used to go for science fairs or NCC Camps, staying in tents and sleeping on floors.

Then they got ready in uniforms to attend the opening ceremony and I was their photographer.

All coaches from different schools of my state. The opening ceremony took lot of time and that is the reason, the matches started pretty late. Here is a short video of the opening ceremony along with the venue inside.

Since the kids were in senior category, their matches were scheduled in the afternoon. So we took lunch there and took a bit of rest.

The schedule did not go as planned and there was no sign of their match starting even by evening.

There were some heated arguments between parents and the organizers and finally they declared the match would be scheduled next day.

So day 1 went just like that, and kids were feeling exhausted and impatient, but this is what you learn on the ground - wait for the opportunity and strike when it comes.

Again started early morning on Day 2 and reached the venue early. On our way, I was able to capture a glimpse of the Hooghly Bridge, one of the architectural marvel using modern architecture and technology.

This was all captured from inside the car, as we didn't have time to stop.

Reminded me our time when we used to get up early and prepare to go to attend exams or games. Our parents never went with us, and we did everything on our own, but it definitely gives more confidence when parents are with kids and cheer up.

They were not allowed to practice a lot as the organizers wanted to start soon and arrange everything, especially the posters that were put around each court were all messed, should have been made of better quality.

One thing I must say about Kolkata is that you really get some nice tasty food at affordable price. And I also love the language and ascent - bengali is probably the most sweet language of India.

I advised them to not eat much, and be prepared for their match.

As their match started, I joined with their coaches, and capturing these nice memories from outside.

As a sportsman, it was quite natural to swing into action and cheer up these kids, when they were loosing the ground. The kids presented some of their best skills and lost in the quarter finals from some professional players, but we were very happy with their performance.

Can you spot me ? To cheer up the team, I requested to make a jersey for me as well, but here is the full team.

There will be time when we loose, but we can raise our head with pride if we have given our best. They lost to people whose primary focus is sports, and country level players, but it was a very good exposure.

I had to take off from work, for this trip, but I am sure, this is a nice memory captured on chain for both of us, till we are alive. One day he will see this post and remember these times. And since we had gone this far, we purposely booked our return ticket having one more day with us, so that we could travel the city of Joy a little, more to come on that.....

Shot with SONY α6400 with 18-135 mm Zoom Lens

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