Sophomore Ali Manzoor started to play pingpong with his family during quarantine in 2020. He first learned about pingpong through friends and scrolling through the internet with all his free time during the COVID-19 pandemic. He initially became interested in pingpong because it was something he could do to avoid boredom. However, over the next few years, Manzoor invested in pingpong and started to play with friends and family almost weekly.
Manzoor plays pingpong whenever he has the opportunity.
When he first started playing, he was admittedly bad, but Manzoor quickly improved after practicing the correct techniques. Ali started practicing with his dad, Infran, who helped him learn the proper techniques of the game.
Infran Monzoor has been invested in pingpong for a while and was very supportive of Ali finding a passion for the sport: “My dad has been into this for a while, and helped me learn it,” Ali Manzoor said.
When playing with his friends, Manzoor learns more about the sport’s strategy. He now has specific shots and angles he prefers: “I prefer my backhand for sure, which is different than most people who play.”
Pingpong over the last few years has also dramatically increased in popularity, not only nationally but globally. Thanks to the International Table Tennis Federation, the sport has had a resurgence in global popularity. With there now being global tournaments where contestants from all over the world can compete. The resurgence of the sport has brought in many people to fall in love with the sport, with Ali Manzoor being no exception.
“I watch pingpong on TV often with my family and friends,” said Manzoor. “I typically watch the Olympics with my family; I decided this year to support Japan who ended up winning a silver medal.”
Ali started playing pingpong during quarantine as a way to free himself of boredom during his time of isolation. Now he enjoys pingpong as a full time hobby and is happy to be part of the community. He hopes to keep sharing his love for pingpong and spread it to others.
