Want to use Asian gold medal as stepping stone to Worlds and Olympics: Tomokazu Harimoto

The Indian table tennis fans first got the chance to watch Tomokazu Harimoto when he came for the India Open in 2017 as the junior world champion. Harimoto, then a 13-year-old, was regarded as a child prodigy and he lived up to the expectations by making it all the way to the final.

In the last eight years, the Japanese paddler has turned into one of the superstars of the sport.

In 2024, Harimoto became the first Japanese man in 50 years to win the gold medal at the Asian Championships. However, the same season included another disappointing Olympic campaign as he crashed out in the quarterfinals in Paris.

Harimoto has table tennis in his genes. He is the son of Zhang Yu and Zhang Ling, who represented China. He also has a sister in Miwa Harimoto, five years younger than him, who is World No. 6.

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Back in India as World No. 3 and top seed for the WTT Star Contender in Chennai, Harimoto spoke about the pressure of being a child prodigy, his Olympic dream, rivalry with the Chinese players and more in a short interview with Sportstar.

Excerpts:-

You have been playing table tennis for close to 10 years on the senior professional circuit. How do you think your game has matured?

I think of this as a job. It’s the sport I love. I enjoy it as much as I can, but I get nervous just thinking about the result.

How did you handle the pressure of being a child prodigy?

When I was 13 or 14, I didn’t feel much pressure but as my ranking gradually went up, other players started to prepare for it. I try not to think about the match and avoid worrying about what I’ll do if I lose. I’m working hard and trying to concentrate on my play.

How desperate are you to win a singles medal in the Olympics?

Yes, my biggest goal is an Olympic singles medal, especially a gold medal. I couldn’t get it in Paris, but I want to win it the next time I play. I’m motivating myself day by day. I want to work hard until that day comes.

How important was it for you, becoming the first Japanese man in 50 years to win a gold medal at the Asian Championships?

I’m proud of myself for winning the gold at the Asian Championships. I want to use it as a stepping stone to the next World Championships and the Olympics.

You have twice beaten the Chinese legend Ma Long. How do you see your rivalry with the Chinese players?

In the past, I just went for it. I was happy when my play was strong. But after that, it was a cycle of losing and winning, and although I lost more often than not, I think it was by winning that I realised how strong my opponents were.

How is your relationship with your sister Miwa?

We’re both connected by the same thread. We’re fellow players. We’re both doing our best, using each other’s play as inspiration and motivation.